Gaming machine capable of broadcasting a status of a game by a reel action

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a gaming machine that is capable of prompting a player to concentrate his or her consciousness to a unit game that attracts the player&#39;s interest by performing rendering when a li-zhi has been established, the gaming machine beings capable of visually recognizing by the player an outcome of symbols without keeping off his or her eye from moving symbols. The gaming machine is configured to display symbols associated with at least one scroll line in a second mode that is different from a first mode from among scroll lines corresponding to the moving symbols as triggered by the fact that a li-zhi has been established by means of symbols displayed in a stopped state.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of Japanese Patent Application No.2010-249171 filed on Nov. 5, 2010. The contents of this application areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming machine that is capable ofbroadcasting a status of a game to a player by means of a reel action.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, in gaming machines, games to be played by displayingsymbols have been performed. Specifically, a unit game is repeatedlyperformed in such a manner that a plurality of symbols are displayedafter movably displayed during a predetermined period of time and then apredetermined prize is awarded to a winning player, in accordance with acombination or the number of symbols having been rearranged. A playerrepeatedly performs a unit game in such a manner that movement ofsymbols are started and then predetermined symbols are rearranged, and aprize is determined, while expecting that such a prize may be obtained.

As described above, in gaming machines, a predetermined prize accordingto a combination or the number of symbols having been rearranged isawarded to a winning player. For example, symbols are rearranged,whereby if a combination of predetermined symbols is arranged along awinning line, it is determined that a winning prize has been establishedand then a predetermined prize is awarded to a winning player. However,if a combination or the number of symbols having been rearranged is thesame and is not arranged along a winning line, it is not determined thata winning prize has been established and then a predetermined prize isnot awarded to a player. In this way, in order to clearly show a playeras to whether or not a winning prize has been established, there is aneed to clearly display a winning line as well as the rearrangedsymbols.

As described above, a winning prize depends on a winning line as well asa combination or the number of symbols having been rearranged. Thus, inorder to increase a winning possibility, there has been a gaming machinein which a number of winning lines are provided. For example, among theconventional gaming machines, there have existed the ones in which thereare several hundreds of winning lines as well. While a winningpossibility can be increased by increasing the number of winning lines,there has occurred apprehension that the progress of a game is hardlyvisually recognizable to players because the number of winning lines istoo large. For example, it has been difficult to determine the progressof a game such as whether or not a current situation becomes far awayfrom a winning prize or becomes close to a winning prize or whichwinning line is the closest to a winning prize on the way of a unitgame. In addition, the number of winning lines is increased, and thus,it has also been difficult to recognize the fact that a winning prizehas been established as well as the progress of a game. Therefore, therehas existed a gaming machine in which rendering is provided so as todisplay a winning line on which a prize has been obtained in ahighlighting manner (for example, refer to International Publication No.WO 99/64997).

Among the gaming machines having a number of winning lines, there hasexisted a gaming machine in which when symbols associated with a winningprize has been displayed in a stopped state, the symbols are displayedin a highlighting manner, for example, the symbols are displayed in red.In such gaming machines, if symbols associated with a winning prize aresequentially displayed in a stopped state, the number of symbolsdisplayed in a highlighting manner gradually increases; and therefore,such a situation has been unrecognizable for players as a result. Inconsideration of such a circumstance, symbols associated with a winningprize have been displayed at a position other than a winning line onlyin a case of a predetermined progress, for example, when a li-zhi hasbeen established (for example, refer to United States Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2008/0090639).

The gaming machine described in the abovementioned InternationalPublication No. WO 99/64997 enables a player to recognize a winning lineindicating that when a prize has occurred, a prize has been establishedat the same time as the occurrence of the prize. However, it has notbeen possible to eliminate the fact that a player misses a reel actionwhich enhances a sense of expectation as to where or not a prize isestablished while symbols are rearranged after rotation reels have beenstopped.

In a gaming machine, for example, in a slot machine, a unit game isperformed in such a manner that a player operates a spin button, wherebymovement of symbols is started and then the symbols are stopped andrearranged. In this way, in the unit game, operation of the spin button,movement of symbols, and rearrangement of symbols are repeatedlyperformed in the same manner every time; and therefore, there has been apossibility that a comparatively monotonous game is played. Thus, aplayer loses a tense atmosphere or a concentration for a game if he orshe plays the game for a long period of time, and there has been likelyto be established a situation that he or she misses a symbol displayregion while seeing it.

In addition, the gaming machine described in United States PatentApplication Publication No. 2008/0090639 is provided in such a mannerthat in a case of a predetermined progress of a game, for example, ali-zhi has been reached, symbols associated with a winning prize isdisplayed at a position other than a winning line. However, the symbolsassociated with a winning prize is displayed at a position other than awinning line; and therefore, a player needs to move his or her eye fromthe winning line to such another position in order to check symbols, andthe player has been forced to move his or her eye from moving symbols.Accordingly, there has also occurred a situation that a player cannotsee the moving symbols sufficiently.

The present invention has been made in view of the circumstancedescribed above, and it is an object of the present invention to providea gaming machine that is capable of performing rendering when a li-zhihas been established to thereby prompt a player to concentrate his orher consciousness to a unit game that attracts the player's interest andthen visually recognize an outcome of symbols without moving a player'seye from moving symbols.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A gaming machine according to aspect of present invention for executinga unit game in which a prize is determined based on rearranged symbols,said gaming machine comprising:

a display having a display region configured to display symbolsassociated with each of a plurality of scroll lines; and

a controller for controlling a unit game in which the symbols associatedwith the scroll line are moved and then rearranged in the displayregion,

the controller programmed to execute processing operations of: (1-1-1)randomly determining rearranged symbols;

(1-1-2) displaying the symbols associated with the scroll line in thedisplay region so as to move in a first mode along the scroll line;

(1-1-3) stopping the symbols associated with at least one scroll linefrom among the plurality of scroll lines and then displaying the stoppedsymbols in the display region;

(1-1-4) as triggered by a fact that a li-zhi has been established by thesymbols displayed in a stopped state in accordance with the processingoperation (1-1-3), displaying symbols associated with at least onescroll line from among scroll lines corresponding to moving symbols soas to move in a second mode that is different from the first mode; and

(1-1-5) automatically stopping the symbols associated with at least onescroll line from among the plurality of scroll lines and thenrearranging the symbols determined in accordance with the processingoperation (1-1-1).

Symbols are displayed so as to move in a second aspect that is differentfrom a first aspect, as triggered by the fact that a li-zhi has beenestablished to thus able to prompt a player to concentrate his or herconsciousness to a unit game that attracts the player's interest.

The gaming machine according to aspect of the present invention, wherein

the processing operation of (1-1-4) includes processing operations of:

(1-2-1) determining whether or not a li-zhi has been established bymeans of symbols having been displayed in a stopped state every time thesymbols associated with one scroll lines from among the plurality ofscroll lines are stopped;

(1-2-2) displaying in the display region the symbols associated with ascroll line on which symbols are moving, from among the plurality ofscroll lines, so as to move in the second mode; and

(1-2-3) executing the processing operation of (1-2-2) when it isdetermined that the li-zhi has been established in accordance with theprocessing operation of (1-2-1).

It is determined whether or not a li-zhi has been established every timesymbols stop, and in a case where the li-zhi has been established, aprocessing operation of displaying symbols so as to move in a secondaspect is invoked and executed. Therefore, only in a case where theli-zhi has been actually reached, the processing operation of displayingsymbols so as to move in the second aspect is invoked and executed tothus able to determine and execute a processing operation that issuitably preferable, in accordance with the progress of a game.

The gaming machine according to the aspect of the present invention,wherein

the second mode includes a plurality of post-li-zhi modes for defining asymbol movement mode after a li-zhi has been established, and

the processing operation of (1-2-3) includes a processing operation of(1-3-1) determining as the second mode one post-li-zhi mode that israndomly selected from the plurality of post-li-zhi modes.

By doing this, one post-li-zhi aspect that is preferable can be selectedand executed in accordance with the progress of a game.

The gaming machine according to the aspect of the present invention,wherein

the processing operation of displaying symbols so as to move in thesecond mode includes processing operations of:

(1-4-1) displaying the symbols in the display region to move by apredetermined distance;

(1-4-2) subsequent to the processing operation of (1-4-1), stopping thesymbols for a predetermined period of time and then displaying thestopped symbols in the display region;

(1-4-3) executing the processing operations of (1-4-1) and (1-4-2) atleast once; and

(1-4-4) subsequent to the processing operation of (1-4-3), stopping thedetermined symbols in the processing operation of (1-1-1) and thendisplaying the stopped symbols in the display region.

The gaming machine according to the aspect of the present invention,wherein

the processing operation of displaying symbols so as to move in thesecond mode includes processing operations of:

(1-5-1) stopping the symbols and displaying the stopped symbols in thedisplay region;

(1-5-2) displaying the symbols in the display region so as to move in amode similar to the first mode;

(1-5-3) executing the processing operations of (1-5-1) and (1-5-2) atleast once; and

(1-5-4) after the processing operation of (1-5-3) has been executed,stopping the determined symbols in accordance with the processingoperation of (1-1-1) and then displaying the stopped symbols in thedisplay region.

The gaming machine according to the aspect of the present invention,wherein

the processing operation of displaying symbols so as to move in thesecond mode includes processing operations of:

(1-6-1) displaying the symbols in the display region so as to move by apredetermined distance;

(1-6-2) subsequent to the processing operation of (1-6-1), stopping thesymbols for a predetermined period of time and then displaying thestopped symbols in the display region;

(1-6-3) executing the processing operations of (1-6-1) and (1-6-2) atleast once;

(1-6-4) displaying the symbols in the display region so as to move in amode similar to the first mode;

(1-6-5) executing the processing operations of (1-6-1) to (1-6-4) atleast once; and

(1-6-6) after the processing operation of (1-6-5) has been executed,stopping the determined symbols in the processing operation of (1-1-1)and then displaying the stopped symbols in the display region.

The gaming machine according to the aspect of the present invention,wherein

the processing operation of displaying symbols so as to move in thesecond mode includes processing operations of:

(1-7-1) stopping the symbols and then displaying the stopped symbols inthe display region;

(1-7-2) displaying the symbols in the display region so as to move in amode similar to the first mode;

(1-7-3) displaying the symbols in the display region so as to move in adirection that is different from the one in the first mode;

(1-7-4) displaying the symbols in the display region so as to move at aspeed that is different from the one in the first mode;

(1-7-5) after the processing operation of (1-7-1) has been executed,executing any of the processing operations (1-7-2) to (1-7-4);

(1-7-6) executing the processing operation of (1-7-5) at least once; and

(1-7-7) after the processing operation of (1-7-6) has been executed,stopping the determined symbols in the processing operation of (1-1-1)and then displaying the stopped symbols in the display region.

The gaming machine according to the aspect of the present invention,wherein

the processing operation of displaying symbols so as to move in thesecond mode includes processing operations of:

(1-8-1) displaying in the display region a predetermined symbol fromamong symbols associated with a first scroll line from among a pluralityof scroll lines on which symbols are moving and a symbol associated withthe predetermined symbol from among symbols associated with a secondscroll that is different from the first scroll line from among aplurality of scroll lines on symbols are moving in parallel to eachother;

(1-8-2) after the processing operations of (1-8-1) has been executed,displaying the predetermined symbol and the symbol associated with thepredetermined symbol so as to move at a speed that is different from aspeed in the first mode; and

(1-8-3) after the processing operation of (1-8-2) has been executed,stopping the determined symbols in the processing operation of (1-1-1)and then displaying the stopped symbols in the display region.

A gaming machine according to aspect of present invention for executinga unit game in which a prize is determined based on rearranged symbols,said gaming machine comprising:

a display having a display region configured to display symbolsassociated with each of a plurality of scroll lines;

a backlight configured to illuminate the display;

a spin button that can be operated by a player, for outputting anoperating signal indicating that an operation has been made when thespin button has been operated by the player;

an indicator configured to display a degree of expectation indicating apossibility that the unit game is advantageous; and

a controller for controlling the indicator based on the fact that theoperating signal has been received, the controller being programmed toexecute processing operations of:

(1-9-1) turning off the backlight as triggered by the fact that theoperating signal has been received;

(1-9-2) generating the degree of expectation from a progress of the unitgame as triggered by the fact that the operating signal has beenreceived; and

(1-9-3) transmitting to the indicator a control signal adapted tocontrol the indicator in accordance with the degree of expectation.

A degree of expectation for a winning prize can be indicated for aplayer by means of an indicator, as triggered by the fact that anoperating signal has been received, and a player's interest can beenhanced from the start of a unit game.

A player can be prompted to concentrate his or her consciousness to aunit game that attracts his or her interest by performing rendering whena li-zhi has been established, and an outcome of symbols can be visuallyrecognized without moving the player's eye from moving symbols.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a reel setting method in a gamingmachine;

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a functional flow of the gamingmachine;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a functional flow of a game in a gamingmachine according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an entire gaming machine;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a gaming system;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a PTS system;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a slot machine in a gaming machine;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a button layout of a controlpanel;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a PTS terminal;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a reel device;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the reel device;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a reel unit retaining mechanism;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the reel unit retaining mechanism;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a second connector;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a slide retaining mechanism;

FIG. 16 is a rear view of the reel device;

FIG. 17 is a front view of the reel device;

FIG. 18 is a side view of the reel device;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a reel support mechanism;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the reel support mechanism;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the reel support mechanism and arendering light emitting device;

FIG. 22 is a side view of the reel device;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a reel drive mechanism;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the reel drive mechanism;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a blade mechanism and a driving forcetransmission mechanism;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the blade mechanism and the drivingforce transmission mechanism;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of reels;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the reels;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a reel frame member;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the reel frame member and a reel band;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the reel frame member and a backlightdevice;

FIG. 32 is a front view of the reel frame member and the backlightdevice;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the backlight device;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the backlight device;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a backlight board case;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the rendering light emitting device;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the rendering light emitting device;

FIG. 38 is an electrical block diagram of a slot machine;

FIG. 39 is an electrical block diagram of a reel board;

FIG. 40 is an electrical block diagram of a PTS terminal;

FIG. 41 is an electrical block diagram of an IC card;

FIG. 42 is an explanatory view of a data table indicating symbols andcode numbers of the respective symbols;

FIG. 43 is an explanatory view of a data table of a prize managementtable;

FIG. 44 is an explanatory view of a data table of a number-of-free-gamestable;

FIG. 45 is an explanatory view showing a relationship between a reelsetting table and a magnetic force detection value table;

FIG. 46 is a flowchart of startup processing;

FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing a part of basic game processing;

FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing a part of the basic game processing;

FIG. 49 is a subroutine showing bonus game processing to be invoked andexecuted in step S15 of FIG. 48;

FIG. 50 is a flowchart of common game processing;

FIG. 51 is a flowchart of first reel setting processing;

FIG. 52 is an explanatory view showing a reel setting method in a gamingmachine;

FIG. 53 is an explanatory view showing a functional flow of the gamingmachine;

FIG. 54 is an electrical block diagram of a reel board;

FIG. 55 is an explanatory view of a reel setting table;

FIG. 56 is a flowchart of second reel setting processing;

FIG. 57 is an explanatory view showing the reel setting method in thegaming machine;

FIG. 58 is a flowchart of check pulse value acquisition processing;

FIG. 59 is a flowchart of third reel setting processing;

FIG. 60 is an explanatory view of an illumination mode setting table;

FIG. 61 is an explanatory view of backlight luminance adjustment;

FIG. 62 is a flowchart of backlight luminance adjustment processing;

FIG. 63 is an explanatory view of pay line display;

FIG. 64 is an explanatory view of pay line rendering;

FIG. 65 is a view showing a schematic configuration of a gaming machineaccording to a third embodiment;

FIG. 66 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of reel rotation startprocessing to be invoked and executed in step S9 of FIG. 47 describedabove;

FIG. 67 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of reel rotation stopprocessing to be invoked and executed in step S11 of FIG. 47 describedabove;

FIG. 68 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of first display controlprocessing;

FIG. 69 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of second display controlprocessing;

FIG. 70 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of third display controlprocessing;

FIG. 71 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of fourth display controlprocessing;

FIG. 72 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of fifth display controlprocessing;

FIG. 73 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of sixth display controlprocessing;

FIG. 74 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of seventh display controlprocessing;

FIG. 75 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of eighth display controlprocessing;

FIG. 76 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of ninth display controlprocessing;

FIG. 77 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of tenth display controlprocessing;

FIG. 78 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of continual of the tenthdisplay control processing;

FIG. 79 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of eleventh display controlprocessing;

FIG. 80 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of twelfth display controlprocessing;

FIG. 81 is a view showing an example of movement of reels in the firstdisplay control processing;

FIG. 82 is a view showing an example of movement of reels in the seconddisplay control processing;

FIG. 83 is a view showing an example of movement of reels in the thirddisplay control processing;

FIG. 84 is a view showing an example of movement of reels in the fourthdisplay control processing;

FIG. 85 is a view showing an example of movement of reels in the fifthdisplay control processing;

FIG. 86 is a view showing an example of movement of reels in the sixthdisplay control processing;

FIG. 87 is a view showing an example of movement of reels in the seventhdisplay control processing;

FIG. 88 is a view showing an example of movement of reels in the eighthdisplay control processing;

FIG. 89 is a view showing an example of movement of reels in the ninthdisplay control processing;

FIG. 90 is a view showing an example of movement of reels in the tenthdisplay control processing;

FIG. 91 is a view showing an example of movement of reels in theeleventh display control processing;

FIG. 92 is a view showing an example of movement of reels in the twelfthdisplay control processing; and

FIG. 93 is a flowchart showing a subroutine indicating processing ofexpectation value meter lighting control.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

(Outline of Gaming Machine)

A gaming machine according to a first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 hasa slot machine 10 to be played by rearranging a symbol 501 based on amagnetic force in an external magnetic field that varies by means ofrotation of a reel M3. While, in the following description, gamingmachines are explained using a device type of a plurality of slotmachines 10 in which a plurality of players participate, slot machines10 to be played by single players itself may be provided.

A slot machine 10 is provided with a reel device M1 in which a magneticforce in an external magnetic field that varies by means of rotation ofthe reel M3 and an arrangement position of the symbol 501 are associatedwith each other, thereby enabling rearrangement of the symbol 501 withthe use of only the magnetic force in the external magnetic field thatvaries due to rotation of the reel M3.

In a specific description, a slot machine 10 has a reel device M1provided with a reel M3 and a reel control portion 631 of FIG. 2 forcontrolling the reel device M1. The reel device M1 has: a reel M3 havingsymbols 501 arranged on an outer circumferential face; a reel drivemechanism M5 for rearranging the symbols 501 by driving the reel M3 in arotating manner; a magnet M201 that is provided in the reel drivemechanism M5 so as to change an external magnetic field by rotation ofthe reel M3; a magnetic force detection mechanism M202 for detecting amagnetic force in the external magnetic field to thereby output amagnetic force detection signal; and a reel setting means (a reelsetting portion 632 of FIG. 2) for associating a magnetic forcedetection signal and an arrangement position of the symbol 501 with eachother.

In addition, a reel control portion 631 of FIG. 2 has, as a reel drivecontrol means, a function of controlling the reel drive mechanism M5 soas to rearrange the symbols 501 in a predetermined rearrangement state,based on a magnetic force detection signal and the rearrangementposition of the symbol 501.

In this manner, the stop machine 10 is capable of indirectly detectingthe arrangement position of the symbols 501, based on the magnetic forcedetection signal even if the arrangement position of the symbols 501 isnot directly detected by means of a sensor or the like by the fact thatthe magnetic force detection signal that is obtained by detecting themagnetic force in the external magnetic field that varies by means ofrotation of the reel M3 and the arrangement position of the symbols 501are associated with each other. In this manner, even if a positionalrelationship between the symbol 501 and the reel M3 is not preset, thesymbol 501 having arranged on the reel M3 can be specified; andtherefore, the symbol 501 can be rearranged in a predeterminedarrangement state. As a result, in a case of performing a work ofarranging the symbols 501 on an outer circumferential face of the reelM3, a work load required for arrangement can be reduced more remarkablythan in a case of arranging the symbols 501 while positioning them withrespect to a predetermined position (an origin position) of the reel M3.

The slot machine 10 configured as described above is provided in agaming machine 300 in which a plurality of players participate, as shownin FIG. 2. As the gaming machine 300, each of a plurality of slotmachines 10 that is a game terminal provided with reel device M1 isconnected to a center controller 200 so as to enable data communication.The gaming machine 300 is capable of individually executing a base gamesuch as a slot game by means of each slot machine 10 and is capable ofexecuting a common game in synchronism with each slot machine 10.

A connection between the slot machine 10 and the center controller 200may be either of a wired connection and a wireless connection, oralternatively, may be a combination thereof. In addition, a unit of betamount may be a national or regional currency such as dollars, Yens, orEuros, or alternatively, may be game points to be used in halls providedwith gaming machines 300 or in the relevant industry.

In more specific description of the above described configuration, agaming machine 300 has: an input device that enables external input; aplurality of slot machines 10 that are programmed to individuallyexecute a base game and to execute a variety of processing operations inorder to play a common game that is executed in a plurality of slotmachines 10; and a center controller 200 that is connected to enablecommunication with the plurality of slot machines 10, and is programmedto execute a variety of processing operations.

A terminal controller of the gaming machine 300 is capable of executingat least three processing operations, i.e., a first processing operationof executing a base game by inputting a start operation from an inputdevice; a second processing operation of executing a common game bymeans of a game start command from the center controller 200; and athird processing operation of determining a game result of the commongame, based on game result information from the center controller 200.

A word “common game” used herein designates a subsidiary game that isdifferent from a main game that is essential in the gaming machine 300.The common game is executed in parallel to a basic game or is executedduring one time point while the basic game is stopped. For example, thecommon game includes a game such as a claps game, a baseball game, or asoccer game.

The center controller 200 of the gaming machine 300 is capable ofexecuting at least three processing operations, i.e., a first processingoperation of outputting a game start command to a slot machine 10meeting a game execution condition with a predetermined timing; a secondprocessing operation of determining a game result of a common game; anda third processing operation of sequentially outputting the game resultdetermined in the second processing operation as game result informationto each slot machine 10.

A word “game execution condition” used herein designates a condition forproviding a qualification to participate in a common game, for example,a condition that a cumulative value of bet amounts in a base game isequal to or greater than a minimum bet amount 1 or a condition that thenumber of base games is equal to or greater than a minimum number ofbets. The “game execution condition” can be met by means of a player'sintension immediately before starting a common game. For example, in acase where the game execution condition is not met due to the fact thatthe cumulative value of bet amounts in the base game is less than theminimum bet amount, a difference between the minimum bet amount and thecumulative value of bet amounts is paid immediately before starting thecommon game, or alternatively, a payment of the amount when apredetermined condition has been met is made, whereby a state in whichthe game execution condition has been met is established. In addition,if the number of base games is insufficient, a payment of the amountcorresponding to such an insufficiency or a payment of the amount when apredetermined condition has been met is made, whereby a state in whichthe game execution condition has been met is established.

In addition, a predetermined timing of outputting a game start commandis established when a common game start condition has been establishedin any one slot machine 10. A word “common game start condition” usedhere designates a condition such as a cumulative value of bet amountinformation or a cumulative value of the number of base games. While theembodiment describes use of a gaming machine 300 provided with a centercontroller 200 apart from a slot machine 10, the present invention isnot limited thereto. As the gaming machine 300, one or more slotmachines 10 may be configured to have a function of the centercontroller 200, whereas slot machines 10 may be connected to each otherto enable data communication.

The “slot machine 10” described above is a one kind of game terminal inthe gaming machine 300. While the embodiment describes a slot machine 10as one example of game terminal, the present invention is not limitedthereto. A device type provided with a terminal controller that iscapable of independently executing any base game can be applied as agame terminal.

The “base game” in the embodiment is executed by means of a slot machine10. The base game is a slot game to be played by rearranging a pluralityof symbols 501. The base game is not limited to the slot game, and maybe a game that can be independently executed in a game terminal such asa slot machine 10.

Rearrangement of symbols 501 in a slot game is performed in a reeldevice M1 (a symbol display device). The slot game has a processingoperation of executing a normal game to be played by rearranging thesymbols 501 in the reel device M1 on a condition that a gaming value hasbeen betted, and then, awarding a normal prize according to therearranged symbols 501; a processing operation of, in a case wheresymbols 501 have been rearranged in a predetermined condition in anormal game, executing a bonus game to be played by rearranging thesymbols 501 on a condition that a payout rate that is greater than thatin the normal game is established, and then, awarding a bonus prizeaccording to the rearranged symbols 501; and a processing operation ofexecuting rescue processing in a case where a rescue start condition hasbeen established.

While a word “symbol 501” is not limited to a kind or number as long asthe symbol is rearranged in the reel symbol M1, it is a generic conceptof a specific symbol and a normal symbol. The specific symbol is addedto the normal symbol as required. For example, the specific symbolsinclude a wild symbol and a trigger symbol. The wild symbol is a symbolthat can be substituted as a symbol 501 of any kind. The trigger symbolis a symbol that serves as a trigger of starting execution of at least abonus game. For example, in the embodiment, “BLUE 7” is a kind oftrigger symbol. In addition, the trigger symbol may be a trigger ofincreasing a specific symbol in a bonus game, i.e., increasing at leastone specific symbol of the trigger symbol and the wild symbol. Further,the trigger symbol may be a trigger of increasing the number of bonusgames in a bonus game.

A word “gaming value” used herein designates a coin, a bill, orelectrical valid information equivalent thereto. The gaming value in thepresent invention is not limited in particular, and may be a gamingmedium such as a medal, token, electronic money, or a ticket. The ticketis not limited in particular, and may be a barcode-attached ticket orthe like to be described later, for example.

A word “bonus game” used herein is synonym for a word “feature game”.While the bonus game in the embodiment is described as a game to beplayed by repeating a free game, the bonus game may be any kind of gameas long as a game playing state that is more advantageous than that in anormal game is established. This bonus game may be employed togetherwith another bonus game as long as a game playing state that isadvantageous for a player, i.e., a game playing state that is moreadvantageous than that in a normal game is established. For example, thebonus game may be realized in each of various states such as a state inwhich more gaming values than in a normal game can be acquired, a statein which gaming values can be acquired at a higher probability than thatin a normal game, or a state in which less gaming values than in anormal game are consumed, or alternatively, a combination of thesestates.

A word “free game” used herein designates a game in which less bettingof gaming values than in a normal game can be executed. A word “lessbetting of gaming values can be executed” includes a case in which thenumber of bets is “0”. Therefore, the “free game” is a game that isexecuted without establishment of a condition for betting a gamingvalue, and is adapted to pay gaming values whose amount is in accordancewith the rearranged symbols 501. In other words, the “free game” may bea game to be started without presupposition of consumption of a gamingvalue. In contrast, a word “normal game” used here designates a gamethat is executed on a condition for betting a gaming value, and isadapted to pay gaming values whose amount is in accordance with therearranged symbols 501. In other words, the “normal game” is a game tobe started on the presupposition of consumption of a gaming value.

A word “rearrangement” used here designates a state in which symbols 501are rearranged after arrangement of the symbols 501 has been released. Aword “arrangement” designates a state in which symbols 501 can bevisually checked by means of an external player.

A word “normal prize according to rearranged symbols 501” designates anormal prize that corresponds to a winning combination of rearrangedsymbols. In addition, a word “bonus prize according to rearrangedsymbols 501” designates a bonus prize that corresponds to a winningcombination of rearranged symbols. A word “winning combination” usedherein designates a combination of establishing a prize. In addition,the word “winning combination” also designates an arrangement or acombination of symbols establishing a prize.

A “condition for establishing a payout rate that is greater than that ina normal game”, includes execution of a free game or execution of a gameof a game with an increase of a wild symbol or a trigger symbol or withthe use of a symbol substitution table and the like. In addition, a basegame, when a rescue start condition is established, rescue processingmay be executed.

A word “rescue processing” used herein designates a processing operationfor saving a player. For example, rescue processing operations includeexecution of a free game, execution of a game with an increase of a wildsymbol or a trigger symbol or with the use of a symbol substitutiontable, and awarding an insurance prize or the like.

A “rescue start condition” includes: a state of excessive continuationof normal game, i.e., a state in which normal game has been repeatedover a predetermined number of times; or a case of excessively smallamount of acquired prizes, i.e., a case in which a predetermined valueor more of normal prize or bonus prize has been acquired when a sameplayer has repeated a game over a predetermined number of times or more.A word “rescue processing” designates a processing operation for savinga player. For example, the rescue processing operations include:execution of a free game; execution of a game with an increase of a wildsymbol or a trigger symbol or with the use of a symbol substitutiontable; and awarding an insurance prize or the like.

In addition, the gaming machine 300 further has a common display device700 that is provided at a position visually recognizable from operationpositions of all of the slot machines 10, and the center controller 200may cause the common display device 700 to display a state that isestablished until a common game start condition has been established. Aword “operating position” used herein designates a player's eye positionfor operating a slot machine 10. According to the gaming machine 300having this configuration, the state that is established until thecommon game start condition has been established is displayed on thecommon display device 700 to thereby enable each player to predict awaiting time required until the common game has been started.

(Functional Flow of Gaming Machine 300: Slot Machine)

The gaming machine 300 that is configured as described above has a slotmachine 10 and an external control device 621 (a center controller 200)that is connected to the slot machine 10 to enable data communication.The external control device 621 is connected to a plurality of slotmachines 10 that are installed in a hall to enable data communication.

Each slot machine 10 has a BET button 601, a spin button 602, and adisplay 614, and has a game controller 100 configured to control each ofthese constituent elements. The BET button 601 and the spin button 602each are one kind of input device. Further, each slot machine 10 has atransmitting/receiving portion 652 that enables data communication withthe external control device 621.

The BET button 601 described above has a function of accepting a BETamount by means of a player operation. The spin button 602 has afunction of accepting a player operation, i.e., accepting start of agame such as a normal game by means of a start operation. The display614 has: a function of displaying still image information such as avariety of symbols 501, numeric values, or signs; and mobile imageinformation such as a rendering image. The display 614 has a symboldisplay region 614 a, an image display region 614 b, and a common gamedisplay region 614 c.

The symbol display region 614 a has a reel device M1, and displayssymbols 501 of FIG. 1. The image display region 614 b displays a varietyof image information on rendering that is executed during the progressof a game by means of a mobile image or a still image. The common gamedisplay region 614 c is a region adapted to display a common game suchas a jackpot game, for example.

The game controller 100 has a coin insertion/start check portion 603, anormal game executing portion 605, a bonus game start determiningportion 606, a bonus game executing portion 607, a random numeric valueextracting portion 615, a symbol determining portion 612, a renderingrandom numeric value extracting portion 616, a rendering contentdetermining portion 613, a speaker portion 617, a lamp portion 618, awinning prize determining portion 619, and a payout portion 620.

The normal game executing portion 605 has a function of executing anormal game on a condition that operation of the BET button 601 is made.The bonus game start determining portion 606 determines whether or notto execute a bonus game, based on a combination of symbols 501 that havebeen rearranged in a normal game. That is, the bonus game startdetermining portion 606 has a function of determining that a player haswon a bonus game when trigger symbols have been rearranged under apredetermined condition and then causing the routine to migrate to thebonus game executing portion 607 so as to execute a bonus game from anext unit game.

A word “unit game” designates a series of operation from start ofacceptance of BET to a state in which a winning prize is established.For example, a unit game in a normal game designates a state including arespective one of a BET time for accepting a BET, a game time forrearranging stopped symbols 501, and a payout time for payout processingto award a prize. The unit game in a normal game is referred to as aunit normal game. In addition, a unit game may be a game from when aplayer has operated the BET button 601 or the spin button 602 to when aprize is determined after symbols have been rearranged. In a case wherea game can be started without operating the BET button 601, such as inthe case of a free game, it is preferable that a time point at which aplayer has operated the spin button 602 be a time point of starting aunit game.

The bonus game executing portion 607 has a function of executing a bonusgame in which a free game is repeated by a plural number of games bymeans of only operation of the spin button 602.

The bonus game executing portion 612 has: a function of determiningsymbols 501 targeted to be rearranged, with the use of random numericvalue values from the random numeric value extracting portion 615; afunction of rearranging the determined symbols 501 in the symbol displayregion 614 a of the display 614; a function of outputting rearrangementinformation on the symbols 501 to a winning prize determining portion619; and a function of outputting a rendering specifying signal to therendering random numeric value extracting portion 616, based on a stateof rearrangement of the symbols 501.

The rendering random numeric value extracting portion 616 has: afunction of extracting a rendering random numeric value in a case wherea rendering command signal has been received from the symbol determiningportion 612; and a function of outputting the rendering random numericvalue to the rendering content determining portion 613. The renderingcontent determining portion 613 has: a function of determining thecontents of rendering with the use of the rendering random numericvalue; a function of outputting the determined contents of rendering tothe image display region 614 b of the display 614; and a function ofoutputting voice/light emission information on the determined contentsof rendering to the speaker portion 617 and the lamp portion 618.

The winning prize determining portion 619 has: a function of determiningthe presence or absence of a winning prize in a case where rearrangementinformation on symbols 501 has been obtained as a display state in whichsymbols have been rearranged in the display 614; a function of computinga payout amount based on a winning combination when a winning prize hasbeen determined; and a function of outputting a payout signal that isbased on the payout amount to the payout portion 620. The payout portion620 has a function of paying out a gaming value to a player in a mode ofa coin, a medal, or a credit and the like. In addition, the payoutportion 620 has a function of adding credit data according to a creditto be paid out to credit data that is stored in an IC card 500 insertedinto a PTS terminal 700 to be described later.

Further, the game controller 100 has a storage portion configured tostore a variety of BET amount data, although not shown. The storageportion is a device configured to store data contained in a hard diskunit or a memory in a rewritable manner.

Further, the game controller 100 has a common game executing portion653. The common game executing portion 653 has: a function of outputtingBET amount information that is based on a BET amount betted in a normalgame to the external control device 621 every time unit base game isplayed; a function of executing a common game by means of a game startcommand from the external control device 621; and a function ofaccepting a BET input by means of the BET button 601 as to a BET amountthat corresponds to data on a BET amount data for common game that canbe betted in a common game.

Furthermore, the game controller 100 is connected to the PTS terminal700. The PTS terminal 700 is a unit in which an LCD 719, microphones 704and 705, and human body detecting cameras 712 and 713 or the like areintegrated with each other. and has a function of communicating with thegame controller 100 to thereby perform rendering of a game, for example.In particular, a card insertion slot 706 is provided in the PTS terminal700 so as to be able to insert an IC card 500. In this manner, a playerinserts the IC card 500 into the card insertion slot 706 to thereby ableto use a credit that is stored in the IC card 500 at a slot machine 10.A mechanical configuration of the PTS terminal 700 will be describedlater.

Moreover, the game controller 100 updates credit display of the display614 when the credit controller has received credit data from the PTSterminal 700. Further, the game controller 100 outputs liquidationcredit data to the PTS terminal 700 in a case where a game liquidationhas occurred.

In addition, the PTS terminal 700 included in a respective one of aplurality of slot machines 10 configuring a gaming machine 300 isconnected to a management server 800 to enable communication therewith,and integrally performs image downloading or management of IC card 500or credit.

Further, a slot machine 10 enables a reel setting device 635 to beconnected thereto via a transmitting/receiving portion 652. The reelsetting device 635 has a function as an external operating means foroutputting an operation command signal by means of an externaloperation. As the reel setting device 635, a personal computer of FIG. 1is exemplified in addition to an exclusive setting device.

For example, in a case where the reel setting device 635 is a personalcomputer, an operation command signal can be output with a timing whenan operation of a specific key such as an enter key has been made. Inthis manner, an operator who provides setting of the reel device M1 canoutput an operation command signal by means of a key operation whilechecking an operating procedure on a display screen of the personalcomputer.

In addition, the reel setting device 635 may be a reel setting enablingmember such as a USB memory that can be removably mounted on thetransmitting/receiving portion 652 or may be a variety of buttons suchas a BET button 601 that is provided in a slot machine 10. In this case,when the reel setting enabling member is connected to thetransmitting/receiving portion 652, the slot machine 10 itself serves asa part of the reel setting device 635. Then, the operator who providingsetting of the reel device M1 can output an operation command signal bymeans of operation of an operating button while checking an operatingprocedure that is displayed in the image display region 614 b or thelike in the display 614 of the slot machine 10.

Further, each slot machine 10 has a reel control portion 631, a reelsetting portion 632, a reel setting storage portion 633, and a magneticforce detecting portion 630. The magnetic force detecting portion 630has a function of detecting a magnetic force in an external magneticfield to thereby output a magnetic force detection signal. The reelsetting storage portion 633 stores a variety of data required for reelsetting such as a magnetic force detection value included in a magneticforce detection signal that has been continuously detected together withrotation of the reel M3. The reel control portion 631 has a function ofcontrolling the reel device M1 so as to rearrange symbols 501 in apredetermined arrangement state, based on a magnetic force detectionsignal and the arrangement position of the symbols 501.

The reel setting portion 632 has a function of associating a magneticforce detection signal and the arrangement position of the symbols 501with each other. Specifically, the reel setting portion 632 has afunction of acquiring a magnetic force detection value of a magneticforce detecting signal as being a magnetic force value in a reel originposition, with a timing of outputting an operation command signal. Inthis manner, the operation command signal is output by means of anexternal operation, so that predetermined symbols 501 can be positionedin a predetermined location (an origin position) of the reel M3 byproviding a setting work of operating the reel setting device 635 with atiming with which a predetermined arrangement state is established whilethe operator visually checks an arrangement state of the symbols 501. Asa result, the reel setting portion 632 enables a work of setting apositional relationship between a symbol 501 and a reel M3 to be easilystarted by means of an operation of the reel setting device 635.

(Functional Flow of Gaming Machine 300: External Control Device)

The gaming machine 300 configured as described above is connected to anexternal control device 621. The external control device 621 has afunction of remotely operating and remotely monitoring an operatingstate of each slot machine 10 or a processing operation such as changinga variety of game setting values. Further, the external control device621 has a function of determining a common game start condition for eachgame terminal and then executing a common game in a plurality of slotmachines 10 when a determination result satisfying the common game startcondition has been obtained in any of the game terminals.

In a detailed description, the external control device 621 has a commongame start portion 6213, a game terminal selecting portion 6215, and atransmitting/receiving portion 6217 (not shown). The common game startdetermining portion 6213 has: a function of determining whether or not acommon game start condition is established, based on a cumulative valueof bet amount information that is transmitted from a slot machine 10 ineach base game; a function of outputting a game start command to aplurality of slot machine 10; and a function of displaying a state thatis established until the common game start condition has beenestablished on the common display device 700.

Determination of whether or not the common game start condition isestablished may be made based on all of the cumulative values that areobtained by repetition of a unit base game as well as based on acumulative value of bet amount information. For example, the number ofbase games or a base game playing time and the like may be a cumulativevalue.

Further, the common game start portion 6213 has a function of outputtinga game start command to a slot machine 10 in which a cumulative valueincreasing due to repetition of a base game satisfies a game executioncondition. In this manner, the common game start portion 6213 enables aplayer to have a consciousness to actively repeat a base game because aqualification to participate in a common game is not provided to a slotmachine 10 whose cumulative value is less than a minimum setting value.

Further, the common game start portion 6213 has a function of monitoringa non-input time during which no start operation is made and thenoutputting a game start command to slot machines 10 other than a slotmachine 10 whose non-input time is more than a timeout time. In thismanner, the common game start portion 6213 is capable of determiningthat a player is absent as to a slot machine 10 in which no base game isexecuted over a timeout time or more, and is capable of avoidingexecution of a common game for such a slot machine 10.

The game terminal selecting portion 6215 has a function of selecting aspecific slot machine 10 from among a plurality of slot machines 10 andthen outputting a common game start command signal to the specific slotmachine 10. The transmitting/receiving portion 6217 has a functionenabling transmission/reception of data to/from the slot machine 10.

<<Functional Flow of Game>>

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a functional flow of a game in a gamingmachine according to the embodiment.

A player operates a start button, whereby a unit game is started. Next,winning determination processing is executed (step SF311) and then kindsof symbols to be rearranged are determined. After that, reels startrotation, movement of symbols is started, and then a unit game in abasic game starts. After that, the reels are controlled to be stopped(step SF313) and then symbols having been determined by means of winningdetermination processing are rearranged.

In a basic game of the embodiment, when five reels have stopped (whensymbols, (for example, scatter symbols) have been rearranged), five ormore bonus symbols are displayed in a stopped state, whereby a conditionfor the routine to migrate to a bonus game is established.

In a gaming machine of the embodiment, when five reels have stopped, amaximum of ten bonus symbols can be displayed in a stopped state. Zeroto two bonus symbols are displayed in a stopped state as to one reel.That is, when symbols have been rearranged, there is a case where nobonus symbol is displayed in a stopped state as to one reel, in a casewhere one bonus symbol is displayed in a stopped state, or in a casewhere two bonus symbols are displayed in a stopped state. In a casewhere two bonus symbols are displayed in a stopped state as to all ofthe five reels, ten bonus symbols are displayed in a stopped state.

Among the five reels, wild symbols are arranged on at least a secondreel and a fourth reel. As described above, a wild symbol is a symbolthat can be substituted as a symbol of any kind, and is also referred toas an almighty symbol. That is, a wild symbol is a symbol having afunction enabling substitution into any of the symbols used in a gamingmachine, and in particular, is a symbol that can be substituted so thata game result is advantageous to a player. In the gaming machine of theembodiment, when a wild symbol has been rearranged, a prize is increasedtwice as usual as to one wild symbol. Wild symbols may be arranged onall of the five reels. Reels on which wild symbols are to be arrangedmay be determined as required.

After arrangement of predetermined symbols has been determined by meansof winning determination processing, when the symbols are rearranged, asmall hit is established (step SF315), a predetermined prize is awarded,and a unit game in a basic game completes.

As described above, in a case where a (bonus-in) condition for theroutine to migrate to a bonus game when five reels have stopped, theroutine migrates to the bonus game.

After the routine has migrated to the bonus game, roulette lottery isperformed (step SF317). By means of the roulette lottery, amagnification relative to one bonus symbol is determined by way ofwinning determination processing (step SF319). When roulette lotterystarts, a roulette image displayed on an upper image display panel 131is displayed in an enlarged manner and then a game in which amagnification is determined by means of lottery is executed in such amanner that a lamp has lit.

As the more bonus symbols when a bonus-in condition has been establishedare, the more times of roulette lottery can be performed. For example,five bonus symbols are arranged, one roulette lottery is performed, oralternatively, when ten bonus symbols are arranged, ten times ofroulette lottery are performed. For example, when a magnification isdetermined to be 50 in a first time in roulette lottery and then amagnification is determined to be 50 in a second time in roulettelottery, the magnification is determined to be 50+50=100. When two ormore times of roulette lottery are performed, a magnification other thana predetermined one is determined by means of lottery.

A magnification determined by means of roulette lottery is used everytime a bonus symbols stops in a free game to be described later and thena prize is determined.

Next, a free game is performed (step SF321), and when a bonus symbol isdisplayed in a stopped state, a magnification determined by means ofroulette lottery is determined as to one bonus symbol (step SF323). Forexample, when four bonus symbols have been displayed in a stopped statein a free game, four bonus symbols are multiplied for the abovementionedmagnification 100 and then 100×4=400 are determined as a prize.

In addition, when five or more bonus symbols have been displayed in astopped state in a free game, retrigger is established in addition to aprize. When retrigger is established, at least one roulette lottery canbe performed again (step SF325) and then a magnification is determinedagain (step SF327).

When retrigger has been established, additional five free games can befurther performed. When roulette lottery is performed by means ofretrigger, a magnification is further added. The number of times ofroulette lottery increases in accordance with the number of bonussymbols that are displayed in a stopped state in a free game.

In addition, a full rotation slow rendering in which all of the fivereels spin slowly may be occasionally determined in accordance with aresult of the winning determination processing in step SF311 describedabove (step SF313). If a predetermined character is displayed on theupper image display panel 131 while the reels spin, reel rotationgradually slows down and then symbols with a high prize or bonus symbolsare gradually rearranged. The longer time the reels spin slowly, themore symbols are gradually rearranged.

(Entire Configuration of Game System)

A game system 350 that includes gaming machines 300 having therespective functions described above will be described hereinafter.

As shown in FIG. 4, the game system 350 includes a plurality of slotmachines 10 and an external control device 621 that is connected to eachof the slot machines 10 via a communication line 301.

The external control device 621 is configured to control a plurality ofslot machines 10. In the embodiment, the external control device 621 isa so called hall server that is installed in a gaming facility having aplurality of slot machines 10. Each of the slot machines 10 has its ownidentification number assigned thereto, and the external control device621 determines a source of data to be transmitted from each of the slotmachines 10, in accordance with the assigned identification number. Inaddition, in a case where data is transmitted from the external controldevice 621 to a slot machine 10 as well, a transmission destination isspecified with the use of the assigned identification number.

The game system 350 may be constructed in one gaming facility that iscapable of performing a variety of games, such as a casino, or may beconstructed across a plurality of gaming facilities. In a case where thegame system 350 is constructed in one gaming facility, the game systemmay be constructed every floor or every section in the gaming facility.The communication line 301 may be wired or wireless, and a leased lineor a switched line and the like can be employed.

As shown in FIG. 5, the game system is divided into three sections, i.e.a management server block, a customer terminal block, and a staffterminal block. The management server block has a casino hall server850, a money exchange server 860, a casino/hotel staff management server870, and a download server 880.

The casino hall sever 850 is a server configured to manage an entirecasino hall in which slot machines 10 have been installed. The moneyexchange server 860 is a server configured to prepare money exchangerate data based on money exchange information. The casino/hotel staffmanagement server 870 is a server configured to manage staffs in acasino hall or a hotel associated with the casino hall. The downloadserver 880 is a server configured to download information relating togames or the latest information such as news and then broadcast thedownloaded information to players through the PTS terminals 700 of avariety of slot machines 10.

In addition, the management server block has a member management server810, an IC card & money management server 820, a megabucks server 830,and an image server 840.

The member management server 810 is a server configured to managemembers information on a player who plays a game at a slot machine 10.The IC card & money management server 820 is a server configured tomanage an IC card 500 used in a slot machine 10. Specifically, the ICcard & money management server 820 is a server configured to storefraction money data to be associated with an identification code or tooutput the fraction money data to the PTS terminal 700. The IC card &money management server 820 is also configured to prepare and managedenomination data or the like. The megabucks server 830 is a serverconfigured to manage megabucks serving as games in which a total amountof betted money in a plurality of slot machines 10 installed in aplurality of casino hall is determined as a prize. The image server 840is a server configured to download an image relating to a game or alatest image such as news, for example, and then, broadcast thedownloaded image to players through the PTS terminal 700 of a variety ofslot machines 10.

The customer terminal block has a slot machine 10, a PTS terminal 700,and a liquidation machine 750. The PTS terminal 7 00 can be mounted onthe slot machine 10 and can communicate with the management server 800.The liquidation machine 750 is a machine configured to cash out andliquidate money data that is stored in an IC card 500 that a player ownsor to store a coin or a bill as money data in the IC card 500.

The staff terminal block has a staff management terminal 900 and amember card issuing terminal 950. The staff management terminal 900 is aterminal for staffs in a casino hall to manage a variety of slotmachines 10. In particular, in the case of the embodiment, the staffs ina casino hall manage whether too many IC cards 500 are stocked in thePTS terminal 700 or the number of IC cards 500 is insufficient. Themember card issuing terminal 950 is a terminal for a player who plays agame in a casino hall to use when issuing a member card.

(PTS Terminal 700)

A PTS terminal 700, as shown in FIG. 6, is incorporated in a PTS system.The PTS terminal 700 that is mounted on a slot machine 10 is connectedto a game controller 100 and a bill validator controller 890 of the slotmachine 10 to enable communication therewith.

The PTS terminal 700 performs rendering of a game by means of sound orimage and the like or updating of credit data in communication with thegame controller 100. In addition, the PTS terminal 700 transmits creditdata required for liquidation in communication with the bill validatorcontroller 890.

In addition, the PTS terminal 700 is connected to a management server800 to enable communication therewith. The PTS terminal 700 communicateswith the management server 800 between two lines, .i.e., between ageneral communication line and an additional function communicationline.

The PTS terminal 700 makes communication of data such as money data oridentification code data or members information on players, for example,in the general communication line. On the other hand, the PTS terminal700 makes communication relating to functions to be newly added in theadditional function communication line. In the case of the embodiment,the PTS terminal 700 makes communication relating to an exchangefunction, an IC card function, a biological authentication function, acamera function, or an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) functionserving as a function of making solid identification with the use ofradio waves.

(Mechanical Configuration of Slot Machine)

An entire structure of a slot machine 10 will be described withreference to FIG. 7.

In the slot machine 10, a coin, a bill or electronic variableinformation equivalent thereto is employed as a gaming medium. Inparticular, in the embodiment, credit-related data such as money data,stored in an IC card 500, is employed.

The slot machine 10 includes a cabinet 11, a top box 12 that isinstalled at an upper side of the cabinet 11; and a main door 13 that isprovided on a front face of the cabinet 11.

A reel M1 is provided on the main door 13. A reel cover 134 is providedon a front face of the reel M1. The reel cover 134 has a transparentliquid crystal panel or a transparent panel. In addition, the reel cover134 may include a touch panel. The reel cover 134 has a display window150 at a center part of the cover. The display window 150 is capable ofvisually recognizing twenty symbols 501 in five columns and four linesfrom the outside. Four symbols 501 in each column are a part of symbolgroups that are arrange on an outer circumferential face of the reel M3.Each reel M3 is movably displayed in a downward direction or in anupward direction while four symbols 501 entirely change a speed, therebyenabling the symbols 501 that are displayed in each symbol 501 to berearranged in a stopped manner after these symbols have been rotated ina vertical direction.

The number of symbols to be redisplayed on the display window 150 is notlimited to the example described above. A third embodiment to beedescribed later shows a case in which a total of fifteen symbols 501 infive columns and three lines are displayed in a stopped state and thenare rearranged so as to be visually recognizable from the outside on thedisplay window 150.

At a left end part and at a right end part of the display window 150,two pay line generation columns are arranged horizontally symmetrically.Among them, a pay line generation column at the left end part, which isarranged at a left side viewed from a player side has 25 pay linegenerating portions. In addition, a pay line generating column at theright end part, which is arranged at a right side, has 25 pay linegenerating portions.

The pay line generating portion at the left side pat forms a pair witheither one of the pay lines generating portions at the right end part.From each of the pay line generating portions at the left end part, apay line which is a line oriented to a pay line generating portion atthe end pat in relationship with a pair with such each pay linegeneration portion is specified in advance. A total of 25 pay lines arespecified.

The pay lines described above are activated by connecting the pay linegenerating portions at the left end part and at the right end part toeach other. In other cases, these pay lines are deactivated. A validnumber of pay lines is determined based on a BET amount. In the case ofMAX BET that is a maximum BET amount, a maximum number of 25 pay linesis activated. The activated pay lines are configured to establish avariety of winning combinations as to each symbol 501. A detaileddescription of the winning combinations will be given later. Anactivated pay line is also referred to as a winning line.

While the embodiment describes a case in which a slot machine 10includes a reel device M1 of a mechanical reel system, the slot machine10 of the present invention may be the one in which a video reel systemand a mechanism reel system for displaying pseudo reels are caused tocoexist. In addition, a touch panel may be provided on the reel cover134. In this case, a player can input a variety of commands by operatingthe touch panel. An input signal from the touch panel is transmitted toa main CPU 71.

A control panel 30 is disposed at a lower part of the reel device M1.The control panel 30 includes a variety of buttons, a coin entry 21configured to accept a coin in a cabinet 11, and a bill entry 22.

Specifically, the control panel 30, as shown in FIG. 8, includes: areserve button 31, a collect button 32, and a game rule button 33 thatare disposed at an upper stage in a left side region toward the panel;1-BET button 34, a 2-BETS button 35, 3-BETS button 37, a 5-BETS button38, and 10-BETS button 39 that are disposed at a middle stage in a leftside region; and a PLAY 2 LINES button 40, a PLAY 10 LINES button 41, aPLAY 20 LINES button 42, a PLAY 40 LINES button 43, and a MAX LINESbutton 44 that are disposed at a lower stage in a left side region.

Further, the control panel 30 includes: a coin entry 21 and a bill entry22 that are disposed at an upper stage in a right side region toward thepanel; and a gamble button 45 and a start button 46 that are disposed ata lower stage in a left side region.

The reserve button 31 described above is an operating button to beemployed when a player wants to leave a seat or when a player wants torequest the staffs in a gaming facility to exchange money. The collectbutton 32 is a so called liquidation button configured to add the creditdata relating to credits obtained in a variety of games to the creditdata that is stored in the IC card 500 inserted into the PTS terminal700. The game rule button 33 is a button to be depressed in a case wherea game operation method or the like is unclear, and when the game rulebutton 33 is depressed, a variety of help information is displayed on anupper image display panel 131 to be described later.

The 1-BET button 34 is a button to be employed when player currentlyowned credits are betted on a one-by-one basis for each winning pay lineevery time the button is depressed. The 2-BETS button 35 is a button forstarting a game in 2 BETS for each winning pay line. In addition, the3-BETS button 37 is a button for starting a game by placing 3 BETS foreach winning pay line. Further, the 5-BETS button 38 is a button forstarting a game by placing 5 BETS for each winning pay line.Furthermore, the 10-BETS button 39 is a button for starting a game byplacing 10 BETS for each winning pay line. Therefore, the number of BETSto be betted for each winning pay line is determined by depressing anyone of the 1-BET button 34, the 2-BETS button 35, the 3-BETS button 37,the 5-BETS button 38, and the 10-BETS button 39.

The PLAY 2 LINES button 40 is a button configured to activate pay linesby pressing it. In this manner, two pay lines are activated. The PLAY 10LINES button 41 is a button configured to activate pay lines by pressingit. In this manner, 10 pay lines are activated. The PLAY 20 LINES button42 is a button configured to activate pay lines by pressing it. In thismanner, 20 pay lines are activated. The PLAY 40 LINES button 43 is abutton configured to activate pay lines by pressing it. In this manner,40 pay lines are activated. Further the MAX LINES button 44 is a buttonconfigured to activate pay lines by pressing it. In this manner, amaximum of 50 pay lines are activated.

The gamble button 45 is an operating button to be employed when theroutine is caused to migrate to a gamble game after a bonus game hascompleted, for example. The gamble game used herein is a game to beplayed by using acquired credits.

The start button 46 is a button to be employed when scrolling of symbols501 is started. In addition, this start button 46 also functions as abutton for starting a bonus game or adding the prize acquired in thebonus game to the credits. The coin entry 21 is configured to accept acoin in the cabinet 11. The bill entry 22 is configured to validatewhether an entered bill is legitimate or not and to accept a legitimatebill in the cabinet 11.

As shown in FIG. 7, a coin acceptance inlet 18 for accepting a coin anda belly glass 132 on which a character or the like of a slot machine 10is drawn are provided on a lower front face of the main door 13, i.e.,at a lower side of the control panel 30.

An upper image display panel 131 is provided on a front face of the topbox 12. The upper image display panel 131 is made of a liquid crystalpanel, and configures a display. The upper image display panel 131displays an image relating to rendering or an image indicating anintroduction of the contents of a game or a rule of the game. Inaddition, a speaker 112 and a lamp 111 are provided on the top box 12.In a slot machine 10, rendering is executed by means of image display,sound output, and light output.

A data display 174 and a keypad 173 are provided at a lower side of theupper image display panel 131. The data display 174 is made of afluorescent display or an LED, and is configured to display members dataread from the IC card 500 that is inserted from the PTS terminal 700,for example, or data input by a player via the keypad 173. The keypad173 is configured to input data.

An expectation value meter 160 is provided at an upper part of thedisplay window 150. The expectation value meter 160 is made of anopening 162 and a backlight 164 (not shown). The opening 162 is athrough hole formed in the reel cover 134. The opening 162 has a lengththat is substantially equal to a width of the display window 150. Thebacklight 164 is made of a full-color LED (Light Emitting Diode). Thebacklight 164 is provided along the opening 162 on a rear face of thereel cover 134. In accordance with a color of light emitted from thefull-color LED or a region in which light is to be emitted, a degree ofexpectation indicating a possibility that a unit game is advantageouscan be indicated for a player. In a case where the full-color LED ismade of a plurality of LED elements, a region in which light is to beemitted can be determined by changing the number of LED elementsconfigured to emit light.

While the example described above showed a case in which the expectationvalue meter 160 is made of the opening 162, a region having itstransparency, which is formed on the reel cover 134, for example, atransparent region may be provided in place of the opening 162. Theregion having its transparency, like the opening 162, is formed in anelongated shape in a horizontal direction, and has a length that issubstantially equal to the width of the display window 150. Thebacklight 164 is provided on a rear face of the region having itstransparency, whereby the expectation value meter 160 can be configured.

The degree of expectation may be information indicating a possibilitythat a unit game is advantageous. For example, the degree of expectationincludes an expectation value indicating a possibility of winning aprize such as a bonus. In the case of the expectation value, if aprobability of winning a prize such as a bonus is 1/300, a winningpossibility becomes higher as the number of unit games continuouslyfailing to win a prize is close to 300 times. A color of light to beemitted or a light emitting region may be determined by computing anexpectation value from the number of unit games continuously failing towin a prize and a probability of winning a prize. If the expectationvalue is high, a region in which light is to be emitted by means of anLED is increased, or alternatively, if the expectation value is low, aregion in which light is to be emitted by means of an LED is decreased.By doing his, the expectation value can be visually recognized by aplayer immediately.

In addition, an expectation value indicating a possibility of winning asmall hit combination as well as a bonus may be employed as a degree ofexpectation. Further, the expectation value is different depending on akind of bonus or a kind of small hit combination; and therefore, it ispreferable to change a color of light emission in accordance with a kindof bonus or a kind of small hit combination. In this way, in a casewhere the degree of expectation indicates an expectation value for avariety of bonuses or a small hit combination, the expectation valuemeter 160 may cause an LED to emit light so as to indicate expectationvalues of all kinds. Alternatively, one of plural kinds of bonuses orplural kinds of small hit combinations may be sequentially indicated bymeans of the expectation value meter 160 in each unit game. By doingthis, a player can be given a motivation to repeatedly play a unit gamein order to acquire an expectation value.

Further, the degree of expectation may be information relating to aprize that a player can acquire. A prize which can be awarded by aplayer continuously playing a unit game may be computed based on a prizeto be awarded every time a winning prize is obtained and a probabilityof winning a prize or the like. In this case, information relating to aprize that can be awarded by winning a prize such as a bonus can beemployed. In addition, there may be a prize that can be awarded by abonus or a prize that can be awarded by a small hit combination. Theseprizes can be indicated for a player by means of a color of the lightthat is emitted by an LED or a region in which light is to be emitted.

(Mechanical Configuration of PTS Terminal)

The PTS terminal 700 is mounted between the reel device M1 and thecontrol panel 30. The PTS terminal 700 includes an LCD 719, as shown inFIG. 9. The LCD 719 is disposed at a center part of the PTS terminal700. The LCD 719 is configured to display a rendering image forrendering a game, for example.

Human body detecting cameras 712 and 713, microphones 704 and 705, andbass reflection type (bass reflex type) speakers 707 and 708 aredisposed at an upper part of the PTS terminal 700.

The human body detecting cameras 712 and 713 are configured to detectthe presence or absence of a player by means of a camera function andthen output a signal to a unit controller 730 to be described later. Themicrophones 704 and 705 are used for a player to participate in a gameby means of voice or to authenticate a player by means of voicerecognition. The speakers 707 and 708 are configured to performrendering of a game by means of voice and to output a broadcasting soundcaused by a failure to remove an IC card 500. Further, the speakers 707and 708 are configured to output a broadcasting sound in a case whereauthentication of an inserted IC card 500 has failed as well. Thespeakers 707 and 708 are installed so as to listen to a sound via a ductfrom a back side of the LCD 719 in a stereoscopic manner on a front side(on a player side), and can be installed in a space reduction manner.

In addition, an LED 709 and a card insertion slot 706 are provided inthe PTS terminal 700. The LED 709 is configured to broadcast a remainingnumber of IC cards 500 having been stacked in a card stacker 714 to bedescribed later. Specifically, in a case where the remaining number ofIC cars 500 is 5 or less, the LED 709 lights in yellow, in a case wherethe remaining number is 6 to 24, the LED 709 lights in blue, oralternatively, in a case where the remaining number is 25 or more, theLED 709 lights in green. In a case where the remaining number of ICcards 500 is 0 or 30, the LED 709 lights in gray and a game beingexecuted is stopped. In this manner, for example, in a case where theLED 709 lights in yellow, the staff in a casino hall immediatelydetermines that the remaining number of IC cards 500 is small and thenIC cards 500 can be refilled. On the other hand, for example, in a casewhere the LED 709 lights in green, the staff in a casino hallimmediately determine that the remaining number of IC cards is full andthen IC cards 500 can be removed. In a case where IC cards 500 aresupplied, these cards can be supplied by inserting the IC cards 500 thatare owned by only the respective staffs through a card insertion slot706. On the other hand, in a case where IC cards 500 are removed, onecard called a refill card is inserted through the card insertion slot706, whereby ten IC cards 500 are ejected together with the refill card.In this manner, there is no need for the staffs to check the remainingnumber of IC cards 500 in each slot machine 10 on a management server orto check the remaining number by actually opening the main door 13 ofsuch each slot machine 10, thus resulting in improvement of security.

The card insertion slot 706 has a mechanism that is capable of insertingor removing an IC card 500. The IC card 500 is inserted so that adisplay portion 510 is upward and so that the card is oriented inopposite to the card insertion slot 706. In addition, while the IC card500 is completely inserted while a player plays a game, the card isejected so that the display portion 510 is exposed at the time ofliquidation. In this manner, the player can check a credit-related datasuch as updated money data. Further, the IC card 500 may be retained sothat the display portion 510 is exposed while the card is not completelyinserted even while the player plays a game. In this manner, the playercan always check how credits are updated while in the play of a game. Atthe time of credit liquidation, In a case where it is detected that noplayer exists with the use of the human body detecting cameras 712 and713, the IC card 500 is pulled to the inside so as to be stacked in thecard stacker 714. In this manner, for example, even in a case where aplayer having checked that the remaining number of credits is small bymeans of the display portion 510 leaves his or her seat while leavingthe IC card 500 intentionally, the IC card 500 is never inserted for along period of time. In the case of the embodiment, the card stacker 714can stack up to 30 cards.

As described above, the PTS terminal 700 of the embodiment realizesspace reduction because a variety of devices having a microphonefunction, a camera function, a speaker function, and a display functionor the like integrally formed one unit. In this manner, for example, therespective functions are installed solely, whereby there dnever occursan inconvenience that a speaker cannot be installed toward a player ifan LCD is oriented to the player.

(Reel Device M1)

The reel device M1 included in a slot machine 10, as shown in FIG. 10and FIG. 11, has: a reel unit M11 configured to rearrange symbols 501 byrotationally driving a reel M3 having the symbols 501 arranged on anouter circumferential face thereof; and a reel unit retaining mechanismM12 configured to removably retain the reel unit M11. In the followingdescription, in a case where a setting location of the reel unit M11 isspecified, this reel unit is referred to as first to fifth reel unitsM11 a to M11 e in sequential order from a left end when it is viewedfrom a front side.

(Reel Unit Retaining Mechanism M12)

The reel unit retaining mechanism M12, as shown in FIG. 12, has: a reelunit support plate M121 that is capable of being mounted on the cabinet11 (a casing) of a slot machine 10; and a slide retaining mechanism M122that is provided on the reel unit support plate M121 and is configuredto retain the reel unit M11 to be slidably movable relative to a frontface side of the cabinet 11. In this manner, the reel device M1 can bemounted and removed by means of the slide retaining mechanism M122merely by sliding the reel unit M11 relative to the reel unit supportplate M121 if the reel unit support plate M121 is mounted on the cabinet11 of the slot machine 10; and therefore, a process such as screwtightening, which has been conventionally performed, can be eliminated.

(Reel Unit Retaining Mechanism M12: Reel Unit Support Plate M121)

In a more specific description, the reel unit retaining mechanism M12has a flat reel unit support plate M121. The reel unit support plateM121 has: a rectangular flat plate portion M1211 that is horizontallydisposed; a front face bent portion M1212 that is bent downward from afront end edge of the flat plate portion M1211; and a rear face bentportion M1213 that is bent upward from a rear end edge of the flat plateportion M1211. The front face bent portion M1212 and the rear face bentportion M1213 are configured to hardly deform the reel unit supportplate M121 relative to a weight when the reel unit M11 is retained.

A word “font end edge” used here designates one edge on a front faceside of a slot machine 10. On the other word, a word “rear end edge”used here designates one edge of a rear face side of a slot machine 10.In the embodiment, a side at which a player who plays a game at thisslot machine 10 is positioned while the slot machine 10 is defined as areference position is referred to as a front side, a front direction, ora front face side, and a back direction relative to the front side isreferred to as a rear side. In addition, a direction in which the slotmachine 10 and the player passes is referred to as a forward/backwarddirection, and a horizontal direction orthogonal to the forward/backwarddirection is referred to as a transverse direction.

As shown in FIG. 13, on a top face of the flat plate portion M1211, aconnector support member M1214 is provided in a transverse direction (ina widthwise direction). The connector support member M1214 is formed inan L shape on a longitudinal cross section in the forward/backwarddirection, and has: a transversely provided portion M1214 a that isbonded with the flat plate portion M1211; and an erected portion M1214 bthat is erected in a vertical direction from the transversely providedportion M1214 a. In the erected portion M1214 b, a connector engagementhole M1214 c is formed. The connector engagement hole M1214 c is formedin number corresponding to the number of reel units M11 installed. Aforming position of the connector engagement hole M1214 c is set so thatwhen the reel unit M11 is installed on the reel unit flat plate M121, acenter part in the widthwise direction of the reel unit M11 and a centerpart in the widthwise direction of the connector engagement hole M1214 care opposed to each other.

In addition, in the flat plate portion M1211, a plurality of fixingholes M1211 a are formed. These fixing holes M1211 a are respectivelydisposed at two longitudinal sites at a front position of each of theconnector engagement holes M1214 c. That is, the fixing holes M1211 aare disposed in a matrix shape of two lines and five columns in the flatplate portion M1211. The fixing holes M1211 a configure a part of aslide retaining mechanism M122 to be described later, enabling a slideretaining member M1221 of FIG. 12 to be mounted on the reel unit supportplate M121.

In each of the connector engagement holes M1214 c described above, asecond connector M123 is provided as shown in FIG. 12. The secondconnector M123 is a female type connector. That is, the second connectorM123, as shown in FIG. 14, has a connector engagement member M1231 and aplurality of pin terminals M1232. The pin terminals M1232 areelectrically connected to a main PCB 110 of FIG. 38 via a signal line,although not shown.

The connector engagement member M1231 has: mount portions M1231 a, M1231a that are formed at both end parts in a widthwise direction; and aconnector insert portion M1231 b that is opened on a front face side. Asshown in FIG. 12, the mount portions M1231 a, M1231 a are tightened withscrews relative to the erected portion M1214 b of the connector supportmember M1214. In addition, as shown in FIG. 18, the second connectorM123 is electrically coupled to a first connector M124 by inserting thefirst connector M124 that is a male type connector included in the reelunit M11 when the reel unit M11 is installed on the reel unit supportplate M121.

(Reel Unit Retaining Mechanism M12: Slide Retaining Mechanism M122)

At a front side of the second connector M123 that is configured asdescribed above, a slide retaining mechanism M122 is disposed as shownin FIG. 12. The slide retaining mechanism M122 has a slide retainingmember M1221. The slide retaining member M1221 is formed transverselysymmetrically relative to a centerline in a forward/backward direction.The slide retaining member M1221 has: a side main body portion M1222; afirst slide fixing portion M1223 that is disposed at a front side of theslide main body portion M1222; and a second slide fixing portion M1224that is disposed at a rear side of the slid main body portion M1222.

The slide main body portion M1222 is formed in a flat plate shape on atop face and a bottom face. The top face of the slide main body portionM1222 enables a reel support mechanism M6 to be supported in a planarshape. On the other hand, the bottom face of the slide main body portionM1222 abuts in a planar shape with the flat plate portion M1211 of thereel unit support plate M121 to thereby enable the reel supportmechanism M6 to be supported in a planar shape by means of the reel unitsupport plate M121.

The slide main body portion M1222, as shown in FIG. 15, is formed in atop-viewing rectangular shape while a forward/backward direction isdefined as a longitudinal direction. A through home M1222 a is formed ata center part of the slide main body portion M1222. The through holeM1222 a enables fixing to the reel unit support plate M121 by means ofscrew tightening, as shown in FIG. 12.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, the first slide fixing portionM1223 that is disposed at a front side of the slide main body portionM1222 is formed in a flat face shape that is identical to the slide mainbody portion M1222. The first slide fixing portion M1223 is formed in atop-viewing square shape having a widthwise dimension that is longerthan a widthwise dimension of the slide main body portion M1222. Inother words, both end parts in the widthwise direction of the firstslide fixing portion M1223 are more protrusive than both end parts inthe widthwise direction of the slide main body portion M1222.

A through hole M1223 a is formed at a center part of the first slidefixing portion M1223. The through hole M1223 a enables fixing to thereel unit support by means of screw tightening. In addition, a fixingprotrusion portion M1223 b is formed at a front end part of the firstslide fixing portion M1223. The fixing protrusion portion M1223 b isformed so as to protrude obliquely upward from the first slide fixingportion M1223 toward a rear side. At a tip end part of the fixingprotrusion portion M1223 b, a protrusion portion M1223 is formeddownward. The fixing protrusion portion M1223 b has a function of fixingthe reel unit M11 in a vertical direction and disabling movement in aforward/backward direction.

On a top face of the first slide fixing portion M1223, slide stopportions M1223 c, M1223 c are disposed transversely symmetrically. Theslide stop portion M1223 c is formed by a wall portion that is opened ona front face side and a top face side, i.e., by a wall portion formed ina top-viewing L shape that is protruded upward from an inside portion toa rear side position. The slide stop portion M1223 a has a function ofstopping the reel unit M11 at a predetermined position in theforward/backward direction when the reel unit is slidably moved from afront side. On the other hand, on a bottom face of the first slidefixing portion M1223, insert portions M1223 e, M1223 e that are openedat a front side are formed transversely symmetrically.

In addition, coupling portions M1223 d, M1223 d are formed at a rear endpart of the first slide fixing portion M1223. The coupling portionsM1223 d, M1223 d are formed so as to protrude obliquely downward fromthe first slide fixing portion M1223 to a rear side. The couplingportions M1223 d, M1223 d, as shown in FIG. 16, has a function ofengaging with the fixing hole M1211 a that is disposed at a front sideof the flat plate portion M1211 in an oblique direction to thereby fixthe slide retaining member M1221 to the reel support plate M121 in avertical direction.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15, the second slide fixing portionM1224 that is disposed at a rear side of the slide main body portionM1222 is formed in a flat plate shape that is identical to the slidemain body portion M1222. The second slide fixing portion M1224 is formedin a top-viewing square shape having a widthwise dimension that islonger than a widthwise dimension of the slide main body portion M1222.In other words, both end parts in the widthwise direction of the secondslide fixing portion M1224 are more protrusive than both end parts inthe widthwise direction of the slide main body portion M1222.

A through hole M1224 a is formed at a center part of the second slidefixing portion M1224. The through hole M1224 a enables fixing to thereel unit support plate M121 by means of screw tightening. In addition,on a top face of the second slide fixing portion M1224, slide stopportions M1224 b, 1224 b are disposed transversely symmetrically. Theslide stop portion M1224 b is formed by a wall portion that is opened ona front face side and a top face side, i.e., by a wall portion formed ina top-viewing L shape that is protruded upward from an inside portion toa rear side position. The slide stop portion M1224 b has a function ofstopping the reel unit M11 at a predetermined position in theforward/backward direction when the reel unit is slidably moved from afront side. On the other hand, on a bottom face of the second slidefixing portion M1224, insert portions M1224 d, M1224 d that are openedat a front side are formed transversely symmetrically.

In addition, coupling portions M1224 c, M1224 c are formed at a rear endpart of the second slide fixing portion M1224. The coupling portionsM1224 c, M1224 c are formed so as to protrude obliquely downward fromthe second slide fixing portion M1224 to a rear side. The couplingportions M1224 c, M1224 e, as shown in FIG. 16, has a function ofengaging with the fixing hole M1211 a that is disposed a rear side ofthe flat plate portion M1211 in an obliquely direction to thereby fixthe slide retaining member M1221 to the reel unit support plate M121 ina vertical direction.

(Reel Unit M11)

The reel unit retaining mechanism M12 configured as described aboveenables a reel unit M11 to be removably retained as shown in FIG. 10.The reel unit M11 has: a reel M3 having symbols 501 arranged on an outercircumferential face of the reel; and a reel support mechanism M6configured to support the reel M3.

(Reel Unit M11: Reel Support Mechanism M6)

A reel support mechanism M6, as shown in FIG. 19, has a reel supportmember M61 and a motor support member M62. The reel support member M61has a side face erected portion M63, a front face erected portion M64, arear face erected portion M65, and a support bottom face portion M66.Each of these portions M63 to M66 is formed by bending a flat plate. Thesupport bottom face portion M66 is formed in a flat shape so as to beabutted with the reel unit support plate M121 in a planar shape. Abottom face trough hole M66 a is formed in the support bottom faceportion M66.

The bottom face through hole M66 a, as shown in FIG. 20, is formed in arectangular shape. In addition, in the bottom face through hole 66 a,center protrusion portions M66 b, M66 b are formed at a center part, andfront side protrusion portions M66 c, M66 c are formed at a front sidepart. Specifically, the bottom face through hole M66 a is slightlylarger in size than an external dimension of the slide retaining memberM1221 described above, is formed in an approximate opening shape, and iscapable of inserting the slide retaining member M1221 from a top side.

In this manner, after the slide retaining member M1221 has been insertedthrough the bottom face through hole M66 a of the support bottom faceportion M66, the center protrusion portion M66 b engages into a gapbetween the insert portion M1223 e that is formed on a bottom face ofthe first slide fixing portion M1223 of FIG. 15 and the reel unitsupport plate M121, and the front side protrusion portion M66 c engagesinto a gap between the insert portion M1224 d that is formed on a bottomface of the second slide fixing portion M1224 of FIG. 15 and the reelunit support plate M121, whereby the reel support member M61 is fixed tothe reel unit support plate M121 in a vertical direction.

A front face erected portion M64 is disposed at a front side of thesupport bottom face portion M66. The front face erected portion M64 iserected in a vertical direction relative to the support bottom faceportion M66. A front face through hole M64 a is formed in the supportbottom face portion M66. The front face through hole M64 a, as shown inFIG. 18, is provided so that a fixing protrusion portion M1223 b isinserted and a protrusion portion 1223 f is abutted with a front faceside of the front face erected portion M64. In this manner, the reelsupport member M61, as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 18, can be fixed in avertical direction and in a forward/backward direction without the reelsupport member M61 being screw-tightened relative to the reel unitsupport plate M121.

A rear face erected portion M65 is disposed at a rear side of thesupport bottom face portion M66. A connector engagement hole M65 a isformed in the rear face erected portion M65. The connector engagementhole M65 a is disposed so as to be opposed to the connector engagementhole M1214 c of FIG. 13. The first connector M124 of FIG. 18 describedabove is provided at a height position and in the connector engagementhole M65 a. In this manner, as shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 18, when thereel support member M61 is slidably moved on the reel support plate M121to a rear side, the first connector M124 is connected to the secondconnector M123.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, a side face erectedportion M63 is disposed at a right side as viewed from a front side ofthe support bottom face portion M66. The side face erected portion M63has: front face tilt portion M63 a that is tilted from a top end to arear side of the front face erected portion M64; an illumination mountportion M63 b that is disposed upward of the front face tilt portion M63a; a mounting cutout portion M63 c that is disposed at a rear side ofthe illumination mount portion M63 b; and a rear face tilt portion M63 dthat is tilted from a rear side of the mounting cutout portion M63 c toa top end of the rear face erected portion M65.

In addition, on a left side face of the side face erected portion M63,four board mount portions M63 e are formed as shown in FIG. 20. Theboard mount portions M63 e are horizontally disposed so as to retain areel board M67 in parallel to the side face erected portion M63, asshown in FIG. 21. The reel board M67 has a function of controlling thereel device M1, and is electrically connected to the first connectorM124 via a signal line, although not shown. In addition, an originsensor M671 is provided on one face on the side of the reel M3 of thereel board M67. The origin sensor M671 configures a part of a reelorigin detecting mechanism configured to output a reel origin signal.

On the other hand, the illumination mount portion M63 b, as shown inFIG. 19 and FIG. 20, has: a backlight mount portion M63 b 1 configuredto support a backlight device M7; and a rendering mount portion M63 b 2configured to support a rendering light emitting device M8. Thebacklight mount portion M63 b 1 and the illumination mount portion M63 bare respectively disposed on a rear face side and on a front face side.A widthwise dimension in the vertical direction of the backlight mountportion M63 b 1 is greater than a widthwise direction in the verticaldirection of the rendering mount portion M63 b 2. A rendering lightfixing hole M63M4 is formed at a center part of the rendering mountportion M63 b 2. In addition, two backlight fixing holes M63 b 3, M63 b3 are formed in the illumination mount portion M63 b. These backlightfixing holes M63 b 3, M63 b 3 has a function of retaining a mountposture of the backlight device M7.

In addition, a motor support member M62 is provided at a mounting cutoutportion M63 c. The motor support member M62 is erected in a leftwarddirection viewed from a front face side, and has: erected portions M62a, M62 a that are disposed longitudinally symmetrically; and a flat facemount portion M62 b that is transversely provided between the erectedportions M62 a and M62 a. A reel motor M51 of FIG. 11 is provided on aleft side face of the flat face mount portion M62 b. At a center part ofthe flat face mount portion M62 b, a circular through hole M62 c isformed so as to expose an end face of the reel motor M51 to the side ofthe mounting cutout portion M63 c. In the through hole M62 c and at aspace portion surrounded by the erected portions M62 a, M62 a, anencoder device M21 that is provided on an end face of the reel motor M51is disposed as shown in FIG. 11.

(Reel Unit M11: Reel Drive Mechanism M5 and Reel Angle DetectingMechanism M2)

The reel motor M51 described above configures a part of a reel drivemechanism M5. The reel drive mechanism M5 is configured so as torearrange symbols 501 by rotationally driving reels M3. Specifically,the reel drive mechanism M5 has: a reel motor M51 configured to impart arotation drive force to the reels M3; and a heat sink M52 configured toradiate a heat by increasing a surface area of the reel motor M51.

The reel motor M51 is a stepping motor having a resolution of 200, andis capable of controlling a rotation speed of a rotation drive shaftM512 from a high speed rotation of 200 rpm or the like to a low speedrotation of 12.5 rpm. The reel motor M51, as shown in FIG. 23 and FIG.24, has a motor bulkhead M511 formed in a hollow columnar shape. On oneend of the motor bulkhead M511, a flange portion M511 a is formed. Theflange M511 a, as shown in FIG. 21 is fixedly provided on a flat facemount portion M62 b of a motor support member M62 by means of screwtightening. In addition, a positioning portion M511 b that is protrudedin a circular shape is formed at a center part of the flange portionM511 a. The positioning portion M511 b, as shown in FIG. 22, is engagedinto a through hole M62 c to thereby facilitate positioning at the timeof assembling that cause the rotation drive shaft M512 to coincide witha rotation center of the reel M3 and to prevent a positional shaft atthe time of actuation.

In addition, one end part of the rotation drive shaft M512 is protrudedas shown in FIG. 23 at a center part of the positioning portion M511 b.One end part of the rotation drive shaft M512 is coupled with an encoderdevice M21. The encoder device M21 configures a part of a reel angledetecting mechanism M2. The encoder device M21 includes: a reelinterlock shaft, although not shown, which is coupled with the rotationdrive shaft M512 that coincides with a rotation center of the reel M3;and a signal output portion configured to magnetically detect rotationof the reel interlock shaft, thereby outputting a magnetic forcedetection signal, a position pulse signal, a origin pulse signal, and aphase difference pulse signal.

In addition, a heat sink M52 is provided on a top face of the motorbulkhead M511. The heat sink M52 is formed of a metal with its highthermal conductivity such as aluminum or copper. The heat sink M52 has aflat base portion M522 that is bonded with the motor bulkhead M511 in aplanar shape; and a plurality of fin members M521 that are erected on atop face of the base portion M522. In this manner, the heat sink M52 iscapable of performing cooling without a need to provide specificelectrical wiring for cooling the reel M3 by increasing a surface areaof the reel motor M51.

In addition, the other end part of the rotation drive shaft M512 isprotruded at the other end of the motor bulkhead M511. An engagementring-shape portion M512 a is formed at a tip end part of the rotationdrive shaft M512. The engagement ring-shaped member M512 a, as shown inFIG. 11, enables a blade mechanism M4 and a drive force transmissionmechanism M9 to be fixed in an axial direction by engaging a stop memberM514. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 24, at a base portion of therotation drive shaft M512, two fixing members M513 are providedtransversely symmetrically around the rotation drive shaft M512. Thefixing member M513 is disposed in a vertical direction relative to therotation drive shaft M512. The fixing member M513 is configured to fixthe blade mechanism M4 and the drive force transmission mechanism M9 toeach other in a rotation direction and then fix the reel M3 that iscoupled with the drive force transmission mechanism M9 in a rotationdirection, thereby causing a rotation angle of the reel M3 and arotation angle of the rotation drive shaft M512 to coincide with eachother.

(Reel Unit M11: Blade Mechanism M4 and Drive Force TransmissionMechanism M9)

The blade mechanism M4 and the drive force transmission mechanism M9 tobe coupled with the reel motor M51 configured as described above areprovided by means of a rotor 90 that is integrally formed of a resin, asshown in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26. The rotor 90 has: a first ring-shapedportion M91 that is disposed on one end side of a left side as viewedfrom a front side; a second ring-shaped portion M92 that is disposed atthe other end side; and a third ring-shaped portion 93 that is disposedbetween the first ring-shaped portion M91 and the second ring-shapedportion M92. The first ring-shaped portion M91, the second ring-shapedportion M92, and the third ring-shaped portion M93 are respectivelyformed in a circular ring shape, and a center shaft is caused tocoincide with a rotation center of the reel M3. A reel motor M51 or thelike of the reel drive mechanism M5 in FIG. 11 is disposed on an innercircumferential side of each of the second ring-shaped portion M92 andthe third ring-shaped portion 93.

A cutout portion M921 is partially formed in the second ring-shapedportion M92. The cutout portion M921 configures a reel origin detectingmechanism together with an origin sensor M671 of FIG. 21. The cutoutportion M921 is detected by means of the origin sensor M671 to therebyable to output a reel origin signal. The third ring-shaped portion 93has a plurality of first blade portions M931 (blade mechanisms M4) on aninner circumferential face thereof. The first blade portion M931 isformed in a wavy shape from its outer circumferential side to its innercircumferential side. In this manner, the first blade portion M931 isconfigured to distribute air in a rotation center direction and thencool the reel drive mechanism M5 when the blade portion is swiveledaround its rotation center.

In addition, an inner circumferential ring-shaped portion M912 isdisposed on an inner circumferential side of the first ring-shapedportion M91. A plurality of second blade portions M911 (blade mechanismsM4) are formed between the first ring-shaped portion M91 and the innercircumferential ring-shaped portion M912. The second blade portions M911are formed in a state in which they tilt from an end face of the firstring-shaped portion M91 to the side of the third ring-shaped portion 93.In this manner, the second blade portions M911 are swiveled around itsrotation center to thereby distribute external air on the end face ofthe first ring-shaped portion M91 to the inner circumferential side ofthe third ring-shaped portion 93 and then cool the reel drive mechanismM5.

Further, an inner circumferential support portion M913 formed in acrossed shape and a through hole M914 formed at a center part of theinner circumferential support portion M913 are disposed on the innercircumferential side of the inner circumferential ring-shaped portionM912. The through hole M914 is caused to coincide with the rotationcenter of the reel M3. The through hole M914 is configured to insert therotation drive shaft M512 of the reel motor M51 in FIG. 24. A fixingengagement portion M915 is formed on a wall face on the innercircumferential side of the third ring-shaped portion 93 in the innercircumferential support portion M913. The fixing engagement portion M915enables fixing in a rotation direction between the rotation drive shaftM512 and the rotor 90 by allowing the fixing member M513 of FIG. 24 tobe engaged therewith.

(Reel Unit M11: Reel M3)

On the rotor 90 described above, a reel M3 is provided as shown in FIG.27. The reel M3 has: a ring-shaped reel band M32 on which one or moresymbols 501 are arranged; and a reel frame member M31 in which the reelband M32 is provided on an outer circumferential face and a blademechanism M4 in a rotor 90 is disposed on an inner circumferential side.In this manner, the reel M3 prevents upsizing exerted by providing acooling function for a reel motor M51 by defining the innercircumferential side of the reel frame member M31 as a mount site of theblade mechanism M4.

The reel frame member M31 described above, as shown in FIG. 28, has: adriving-side reel frame member M311 configured to retain one end part ofthe reel band M32; a follower-side reel frame member M312 configured toretain the other end part of the reel band M32; and a frame membercoupling member 313 configured to couple the outer circumferentialportions of the driving-side reel frame body M311 and the follower-sidereel frame reel M312 to each other. The reel frame member M31 that isformed by these members is formed of a light transmission material.

In this manner, the reel M3 is capable of assembling the reel framemember M31 by coupling the reel frame member M31 via a frame membercoupling member 313 from a state in which the reel is divided into twosections, the driving-side reel frame member M311 and the follower-sidereel frame member M312; and therefore, a width of the reel frame memberM31, i.e., a width of the reel M3 including the reel frame member M31and the reel band M32 can be easily changed merely by changing a lengthof the frame member coupling member 313.

The driving-side reel frame member M311 has an inner circumferentialring-shaped portion M3111. The inner circumferential ring-shaped portionM3111 is engaged with and is fixed to an outer circumferential face ofthe first ring-shaped portion M91. In this manner, the reel M3 iscoupled in a state in which the reel coincides with the rotation centerof the rotor 90.

On the other hand, the follower-side reel frame member M312 has a reelband engagement portion M312 a that engages with an end part of the reelband M32. Similarly, the driving-side reel frame member M311, as shownin FIG. 29, has a reel band engagement portion M311 a that engages withan end part of the reel band M32. In this manner, the reel M3 is capableof easily assembling the reel band M32 with the reel frame M31 byengaging both end parts of the reel band M32 with each other so as to besandwiched from both sides between the reel band engagement portionsM311 a and M312 a of the driving-side frame member M311 and thefollower-side reel frame member M312 on the way of assembling the reelframe member M31 by coupling the reel frame member M31 via the framemember coupling member 313 from a state in which the reel is dividedinto two sections, the driving-side reel frame member M311 and thefollower-side reel frame member M312.

The reel band engagement portions M311 a and M312 a described above, asshown in FIG. 30, are formed so as to engage the entire circumference ofthe reel band M32. In this manner, the reel frame member M31 isconfigured to hold the entire circumference of the reel band M32 tothereby able to enhance shape sustainability when the reel band M32 hasbeen retained by means of the reel frame member M31.

In addition, the frame member coupling member 313 is disposed to able tosupport a back face of the reel band M32. In this manner, it becomespossible to further enhance shape sustainability when the reel band M32is retained by means of the reel frame member M31. Further, the reelband M32 is formed of a material such as an acrylic resin that iscapable of transmitting illumination light.

(Reel Unit M11: Backlight Device M7)

As shown in FIG. 31 and FIG. 32, a backlight device M7 is arranged onthe inner circumferential side of the reel M3 configured as describedabove. The backlight device M7 is arranged so as to emit illuminationlight from the inner circumferential side of the reel M3 into thedirection of the reel band M32 and then allow the emitted light havingtransmitted the reel band M32 to be visually recognized from the outsideof a slot machine 10.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 33 and FIG. 34 as well, the backlightdevice M7 has: a backlight source unit M70; and a board case supportmember M74 that is provided in a reel support mechanism M6 and isconfigured to removably support the backlight source unit M70. Fourbacklight source units M70 are disposed in a vertical direction. Thesebacklight source units M70 are disposed and set at intervals so that thebacklight source units are opposed to symbols 501. That is, a positionalrelationship between the backlight units M70 and the symbols 501 are setso that they exist on a line segment passing through the rotation centerof the reel M3 in a vertical direction. In this manner, illuminationlight can be transmitted from the reel band M32 and the transparent reelframe member M31 while each of the backlight source units M70illuminates each of the symbols 501 opposed thereto.

The respective backlight source units M70 described above has aplurality of illumination light sources M71 that are arranged in awidthwise direction and in a longitudinal direction of the reel band M32and that is capable of changing a light quantity when illumination lightis emitted. In this manner, the backlight device M7 is capable ofindividually controlling an emission mode of illumination light in eachof the illumination light sources M71, and is capable of enhancing adegree of freedom in rendering with the use of illumination light.

In addition, the backlight source unit M70 has: a backlight board M72 onwhich the illumination light source M71 is provided and then is disposedto opposed to the reel band M32; and a backlight board case M73configured to retain the backlight board M72. The backlight board caseM73 is removably supported on a board case support member M74. In otherwords, the reel device M1 has a backlight board M72, a backlight boardcase M73, and a board case support member M74 configured to removablysupport the backlight board case M73.

In this manner, the backlight device M7 is capable of coping with achange of a reel width merely by exchanging the backlight source unitM70 (the backlight board M72 and the board case support member M74)without a need to exchange the entire backlight device M7 when thereoccurs a need to change a size of the backlight board M72 in accordancewith a change of a reel width of the reel band M32, for example, becausethe backlight board case M73 configured to retain the backlight boardM72 is removable from the board case support member M74. That is, thebacklight device M7 is capable of performing a work of changing the sideof the backlight board M72 easily and within a short period of time.

Further, the board case support member M74 has an engagement portionM741 and a protrusion portion M742 on a base side of the other side of amount position of the backlight source unit M70. The engagement portionM741 and the protrusion portion M742, as shown in FIG. 31, is removablycoupled by engaging with the backlight mount portion M63 b 1 of the reelsupport member M61.

The backlight board case M73 that is removably supported on the boardcase support member M74, as shown in FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 as well, has aplate-shaped member M731 that is disposed at one end in a reel widthwisedirection, and is formed so as to abut with the board case supportmember M74 in a planar shape; and a claw member M732 that is protrudedto be elastically deformable from the plate-shaped member M731 in thedirection of the board case support member M74. On the other hand, theboard case support member M74 has: an engagement portion M741 configuredto slidably engage both end parts of the plate-shaped member M731 witheach other when the plate-shaped member M731 is abutted in a planarshape; and an engagement hole M742 in which the claw member M732 isengaged when the plate-shaped member M731 is engaged with the engagementportion M741.

In this manner, the backlight device M7 is capable of respectivelycoupling the backlight board case M73 and the board case support memberM74 with the engagement portion M741 and the engagement hole M742 byallowing both end parts of the plate-shaped member M731 to be slidablyengaged with the engagement portion M741 when the plate-shaped memberM731 has been abutted in a planar shape and allowing the claw memberM732 of the plate-shaped member M731 to be engaged into the engagementhole M742. On the other hand, the backlight device M7 is capable ofremoving the backlight board case M73 from the board case support memberM74 if an external force of elastically deforming the claw member M732is applied to the backlight board case M73. As a result, the backlightdevice M7 is capable of easily mounting or removing the backlight sourceunit M70 relative to the board case support member M74.

(Reel Unit M11: Rendering Light Emitting Device M8)

In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, a rendering light emitting device M8is disposed lateral of a reel M3. The rendering light emitting device M8is configured to emit a plurality of rendering light beams so as to bevisually recognizable from the outside of a slot machine 10. In thismanner, the rendering light emitting device M8 is capable of enhancing arendering effect and a degree of freedom in rendering at the time ofrotation of the reel M3 or at the time of rearranging symbols 501.

The rendering light emitting device M8 described above, as shown in FIG.36 and FIG. 37, has at least a plurality of rendering light sources M81that are arranged along a longitudinal direction of a reel band M32.These rendering light sources M81 are individually controllable and arecapable of changing a light quantity when rendering light is emitted ina plurality of steps. In this manner, the rendering light emittingdevice M8 is capable of enhancing a rendering effect and a degree offreedom in rendering at the time of rotation of the reel M3 or at thetime of rearranging symbols 501.

Specifically, each of the rendering light emitting devices M8 has: arendering light source unit M80; and a unit support member M83 that isprovided in the reel support mechanism M6, and is configured toremovably support the rendering light source unit M80. The renderinglight source unit M80 has: a hollow-shaped board case M82; a renderinglight board M84 that is housed in the board case M82; and renderinglight sources M81 that are disposed in one column on a top face of therendering light board M84.

The board case M82 is formed in a fan shape so as to have a curved facethat is identical to an outer circumferential face of a ring-shaped reelM3. In addition, the board case M82 is formed of a material fortransmitting light on at least a front face side. The rendering lightboard M84 is curved at a curvature radius that is identical to that ofthe board case M82. In this manner, each of the rendering light sourcesM81 on the rendering light board M84 is provided so that a distance froma top face of the board case M82 is identical.

A unit support member M83 is disposed at an end part on the innercircumferential side of the board case M82 described above. The unitsupport member M83 is provided removably from a side face erectedportion M63 of the reel support mechanism M6. Specifically, the unitsupport member M83 has: a plate-shaped member M831 that is formed so asto abut with a rendering mount portion M63 b 2 in a planar shape; anengagement portion M833 that is slidably engage both end parts of therendering mount portion M63 b 2 with each other when the plate-shapedmember M831 is abutted in a planar shape; and a claw member M832 that isprotruded to be elastically deformable from the plate-shaped member M831in the direction of the rendering mount portion M63 b 2, and that can beengaged into a rendering light fixing hole M63 b 4.

In this manner, the rendering light emitting device M8 is capable ofcoupling the rendering light emitting device M8 and a reel supportmember M61 with each other by allowing both end parts of the renderingmount portion M63 b 2 to be slidably engaged with an engagement portionM833 when the plate-shaped member M831 has been abutted with therendering mount portion M63 b 2 in a planar shape and allowing the clawmember M832 to be engaged with the rendering mount portion M63 b 2. Onthe other hand, the rendering light emitting device M8 is capable ofremoving the rendering light emitting device M8 from the reel supportmember M61 if an external force of elastically deforming the claw memberM832 is applied. As a result, the rendering light emitting device M8 iscapable of being easily mounted or removed relative to the reel supportmember M61 of the reel support mechanism M6.

(Electronic Configuration of Slot Machine)

Next, a configuration of a circuit included in a slot machine 10 will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 38.

A gaming board 50 includes: a CPU 51, a ROM 52, and a boot ROM 53 thatare interconnected by means of an internal bus; a card slot 55 thatcorresponds to a memory car 54; and an IC socket 57 that corresponds toa GAL (Generic Array Logic) 56.

The memory card 54 is made of a nonvolatile memory, and stores gameprograms and game system programs. The game programs include a programrelating to the progress of a game and a program for executing renderingby means of image or sound. In addition, the game programs include asymbol determination program. The symbol determination program is aprogram for determining symbols to be rearranged as symbols 501.

In addition, the game programs include: symbol table data for normalgame indicating a correlation between each symbol of each symbol array,in a display block, a code No., a random numeric value; a symbol tabledata for bonus game indicating a symbol table for bonus game indicatinga correlation between each symbol of each symbol table in a displayblock, code No., and a random numeric value; a symbol No. determinationtable data indicating a symbol array determination table; a code No.determination table data indicating a symbol array determination table;a wild symbol increment determination table indicating a wild symbolincrement determination table; a trigger symbol increment determinationtable data indicating a trigger symbol increment determination table;and odds data indicating a correlation between types and the number ofsymbols that are rearranged on a pay line and a prize amount or thelike.

In addition, the card slot 55 is configured to be able to insert orremoving a memory card 54, and is connected to a motherboard 70 by meansof an IDE bus. Therefore, the memory card 54 is removed from the cardslot 53S, another game program is written in the memory card 54, andthen, the memory card 54 is inserted into a card slot 53S, whereby typesor contents of games to be played in a slot machine 10 can be changed.

The GAL 56 is one kind of PLD (Programmable Logic Device) having anOR-fixed type array structure. The GAL 56 includes a plurality of inputports and output ports, and outputs corresponding data from an outputport if a predetermined input occurs in an input port.

In addition, the IC socket 57 is configured to be able to mount orremove the GAL 56, and is connected to the motherboard 70 by means of aPCI bus. The memory card 54 is replaced with another one in whichanother program is written, or alternatively, the program that iswritten in the memory card 54 is rewritten into another one, whereby thecontents of a play to be played in a slot machine 10 can be changed.

The CPU 51, the ROM 52, and the boot ROM 53 that are interconnected bymeans of the internal bus are connected to the motherboard 70 by meansof the PCI bus. The PCI bus transmits a signal between the motherboard70 and the gaming board 50, and supplies electric power from themotherboard 70 to the gaming board 50.

An authentication program is stored in the ROM 52. A preliminaryauthentication program and a program (a boot code) for the CPU 51 tostart up the preliminary authentication program or the like are storedin the boot ROM 53.

The authentication program is a program (tampering check program) forauthenticating a game program and a game system program. The preliminaryauthentication program is a program for authenticating theauthentication program described above. The authentication program andthe preliminary authentication program are described along a procedure(an authentication procedure) for authenticating the fact that a targetprogram is not tampered.

The motherboard 70 is configured using a commercially available generalpurpose motherboard (a printed wiring board implementing basic parts ofa personal computer), and includes a main CPU 71, a ROM (Read OnlyMemory) 72, a RAM (RANDOM Access Memory) 73, and a communicationinterface 82. The motherboard 70 is equivalent to a game controller 100in the embodiment.

The ROM 72 is made of a memory device such as a flash memory, and storesprograms such as a BIOS (a Basic Input/Output System) to be executed bymeans of the main CPU 71 and permanent data. When the BIOS is executedby means of the main CPU 71, initialization processing of predeterminedperipheral devices is performed. In addition, acquisition processing ofthe game programs and game system programs that are stored in the memorycard 54 is started via the gaming board 50. In the present invention,the ROM 72 may be the one of which the contents are rewritable or arenot rewritable.

The RAM 73 stores data employed when the main CPU 71 operates orprograms such as a symbol determination program. For example, when theacquisition processing of the game programs and game system programs orauthentication program described previously has been performed, theseprograms can be stored. In addition, a work region for executing theprograms described above is provided in the RAM 73. For example, thereare provided a region for storing a counter managing the number of gamesplayed, the number of BETs, the number of payouts, or the number ofcredits, for example, or a region for storing symbols (code numbers)that are determined by means of lottery.

The communication interface 82 is configured to make communication withan external control device 621 such as a server via a communication line301. In addition, a door PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 90 and a main PCB110 to be described later are respectively connected to the motherboard70 by means of a USB. In addition, a power unit 81 is connected to themotherboard 70. Further, a PTS terminal 700 is connected to themotherboard 70 by means of the USB.

When electric power is supplied from the power unit 81 to themotherboard 70, the main CPU 71 of the motherboard 70 is started up, andelectric power is supplied to the gaming board 50 via the PCI bus andthen the CPU 51 is started up.

Input devices such as switches or sensors or peripheral devices whoseoperations are controlled by means of the main CPU 71 are respectivelyconnected to the door PCB 90 and the main PCB 110.

A control panel 30, a reverter 91, a coin counter 92C, and a coldcathode-ray tube 93 are respectively connected to the door PCB 90.

On the control panel 30, in association with the respective buttonsdescribed previously, there are provided: a reserve switch 31S; acollect switch 32S; a game rule switch 33S; a 1-BET switch 34S; a 2-BETSswitch 35S; a 3-BETS switch 37S; a 5-BETS switch 385; a 10-BETS switch39S; a PLAY 2 LINES switch 40S; a PLAY 10 LINES switch 41S; a PLAY 20LINES switch 42S; a PLAY 40 LINES switch 43S; a MAX LINES switch 44S; agamble switch 45S; and a start switch 46S. Each switch detects that acorresponding button has been pressed by a player, and outputs a signalto the main CPU 71.

The reverter 91 and the coin counter 92C are provided inside of the coinentry 36. Then, the reverter 91 identifies whether or not a coininserted into the coin entry 36 is legitimate, and ejects a coin otherthan a legitimate coin from a coin payout exit. In addition, the coincounter 92C detects the accepted legitimate coins and counts the numberof these coins.

The reverter 91 operates based on a control signal that is output fromthe main CPU 71, and distributes the legitimate coins that are screenedby the coin counter 92C into a hopper 113 or a cashbox (not shown). In acase where the holler 113 is not filled with coins, they are distributedto the hopper 113, or alternatively, in a case where the hopper 113 isfilled with coins, they are distributed to the cashbox.

The cold cathode-ray tube 93 functions as a backlight that is installedat a rear face side of an upper image display panel 131, and lightsbased on a control signal that is output from the main CPU 71.

A lamp 111, a speaker 112, a hopper 113, a coin detecting portion 113S,a bill entry 22, a graphic board 130, a key switch 173S, and a datadisplay 174 are respectively connected to the main PCB 110.

The lamp 111 lights based on a control signal that is output from themain CPU 71. The speaker 112 outputs a sound such as BGM based on acontrol signal that is output from the main CPU 71.

The hopper 113 operates based on a control signal that is output fromthe main CPU 71 and then pays out coins whose payout number is specifiedfrom the coin payout exit to a coin tray, although not shown. The coindetecting portion 113S detects the coins to be paid out by means of thehopper 113 and then outputs a signal to the main CPU 71.

A touch panel may be provided on a front face of a reel device M1. Thetouch panel detects a position that touched by a player's finger andthen outputs a signal that corresponds to the detected position to themain CPU 71.

The bill entry 22 is configured to identify whether or not a bill islegitimate and accept a legitimate bill in the cabinet 11. Then, thebill entered in the cabinet 11 is converted to the number of coins, andcredits equivalent to the number of coins converted are added as theplayer owned credits.

The graphic board 130 controls an image to be displayed by means of theupper image display panel 131, based on a control signal that is outputfrom the main CPU 71. The graphic board 130 includes a VDP (a VideoDisplay Processor) configured to generate image data or a video RAMconfigured to store the image data that is generated by means of theVDP. The image data employed when the image data is generated by meansof the VDP is included in the game programs that are read out from thememory card 54 and are stored in the RAM 73.

The graphic board 130 includes a VDP (a Video Display Processor)configured to generate image data, based on a control signal that isoutput from the main CPU 71, or a video RAM or the like configured totemporarily store the image data that is generated by means of the VDP.The image data employed when the image data is generated by means of theVDP is included in the game programs that are read out from the memorycard 54 and are stored in the RAM 73.

The key switch 1735 is provided in a keypad 173, and when the keypad 173is operated by a player, a predetermined signal is output to the mainCPU 71.

The data display 174 displays the data that a card reader 172 has readbased on a control signal that is output from the main CPU 71 or thedata that is input by a player via the keypad 173.

In addition, a backlight 164 of an expectation value meter 160 iselectrically connected to the main PCB 110. As described above, thebacklight 164 is made of a full-color LED (a light emitting diode). Thefull-color LED can be configured so as to be made of a plurality of LEDelements. In accordance with a processing operation of FIG. 93 to bedescribed later, the main CPU 71 determines a light emission colorindicating a degree of expectation and the size of a light emittingregion, and a signal indicating the determined light emission color andthe size of the light emitting region is transmitted to the backlight164 via the main PCB 110.

(Electrical Configuration of Slot Machine: Reel Device M1)

A reel device M1 is connected to the main PCB 110 described above. Thereel device M1, as shown in FIG. 11 has five reel units, i.e., first tofifth reel units M11 a to M11 e. As shown in FIG. 39, each of the firstto fifth reel units M11 a to M11 e has a reel board M67. The reel boardM67 has: an input/output portion M675 that is connected to the main PCB110 to enable data communication; a reel drive portion M672 that isconnected to the input/output portion M675; a backlight drive portionM673; and a rendering device drive portion M674.

A magnetic force detecting mechanism M202 is connected to theinput/output portion M675. The magnetic force detecting mechanism M202has: a magnetic force sensor configured to output a magnetic forcedetection signal of output intensity in accordance with a magneticforce; and a sensor fixing mechanism configured to fix the magneticforce sensor at a predetermined position. The magnetic force detectingmechanism M202 is coupled with a rotary shaft of a reel motor M51 so asto thereby output a magnetic force detection signal by detecting amagnetic force in an external magnetic field by means of a magnet M201of FIG. 1 that rotates together with a reel M3.

The reel drive portion M672 is connected so as to supply drive power tothe reel motor M51. The backlight drive portion M673 is connected so asto individually supply drive power to each illumination light source M71of the backlight device M7. The rendering device drive portion M674 isconnected so as to individually supply drive power to each renderinglight source M81 of the rendering light emitting device M8.

(Electrical Configuration of PTS Terminal)

Next, a configuration of a circuit included in a PTS terminal 700 willbe described with reference to FIG. 40.

A PTS controller 720 configured to control the PTS terminal 700 has aCPU 731, a communication portion 734, a ROM 733, and a RAM 732 while avariety of functional portions are connected around a unit controller730.

The CPU 731 executes or computes a variety of programs that are storedin the ROM 733 to be described later. In particular, the CPU 731executes a credit update program, converts credit data that acquiredfrom a game controller 100 to money data, sums the converted money datawith fraction money data contained in a management server 800, and then,transmits the summed data to an IC card 500.

In addition, the CPU 731 executes a human body detection actuatingprogram and then determines whether or not to take the IC card 500 in acard stacker 714 with the use of human body detecting cameras 712 and713 in a case where the number of credits based on the credit data thatis acquired from the game controller 100 is not set to “0”.

Further, the CPU 731 executes an authentication program and thencorrelate an identification code contained in the IC card 500 and anidentification code contained in the management server 800 with eachother.

Furthermore, the CPU 731 executes a voice control program and thencontrols a voice control circuit portion 724 to be described later,based on an authentication result. The voice control used heredesignates a control that in a case where authentication fails, the CPU731 controls the voice control circuit portion 724 to be described laterand then broadcasts that such authentication fails from speakers 707 and708. The communication portion 734 enables communication with the gamecontroller 100.

Still furthermore, the CPU 731 executes a device program and thenactuates and controls an LCD 719, microphones 704 and 705, and thespeakers 707 and 708. Further, the CPU 731 executes an LED controlprogram and then controls an LED718 to light in accordance with aremaining number of IC cards 500.

The ROM 733 is made of a memory device such as a flash memory, andstores permanent data to be executed by means of the CPU 731. Forexample, the ROM 733 has: a credit update program configured to rewritethe credit data that is stored in the IC card 500 in accordance with acommand from the game controller 100; a human body detection actuatingprogram; an authentication program; a voice control program, a deviceprogram; and an LED control program.

The RAM 732 temporarily stores data required to execute a variety ofprograms that are stored in the ROM 733. For example, the RAM 732 storesthe credit data to be updated, based on a signal from the gamecontroller 100. In addition, the RAM 732 stores a time when a player hasbeen detected by means of the human body detecting cameras 712 and 713and a time to be counted from that time point.

In addition, the unit controller 730 is connected to a human bodydetecting camera control portion 722, an LCD drive portion 723, a voicecontrol circuit portion 724, a remaining card recognition input portion727, a card entry/ejection drive portion 726, a card detection inputportion 725, an LED drive portion 728, and a modulation/demodulationportion 721.

The human body detecting camera control portion 722 actuates andcontrols the human body detecting cameras 712 and 713 based on a commandfrom the unit controller 730.

The LCD drive portion 723 actuates and controls the LCD 719 based on acommand from the unit controller 730.

The voice control circuit portion 724 actuates and controls themicrophones 704 and 705 and the speakers 707 and 708 based on a commandfrom the unit controller 730.

The remaining card recognition input portion 727 inputs to the unitcontroller 730 a signal for determining a remaining number of IC cards500 that are stacked in the card stacker 714 by means of a remainingcard recognition sensor 717. The remaining card recognition sensor 717used herein has a function of determining a remaining number of IC cards500 that are stacked in the card stacker 714 with the use of aninfrared-ray detecting mechanism, although not shown, for example.

The card entry/ejection drive portion 726 drives and controls a cardentry/ejection mechanism 716 based on a command from the unit controller730. The card entry/ejection mechanism 716 used here has a mechanism oftaking an IC card 500 to the inside and a mechanism of ejection thetaken IC card to the outside.

The card detection input portion 725 inputs a signal from a carddetecting sensor 715 to the unit controller 730. The card detectingsensor 715 used here acquires a variety of data such as money data fromthe inserted IC card 500 or identification codes.

The LED drive portion 728 drives and controls an LED 718 to light, basedon a command from the unit controller 730.

The modulation or demodulation portion 721 converts a high frequencysignal from an antenna 701 to a signal that the unit controller 730 cancontrol, whereas this portion converts a signal from the unit controller730 to a signal that can be transmitted to the IC card 500, via theantenna 701.

The unit controller 730, the card entry/ejection drive portion 726, thecard detection input portion 725, and the modulation/demodulationportion 721 described previously are also referred to as a card unitcontrol controller altogether.

(Electrical Configuration of IC Card)

Next, a configuration of a circuit included in an IC card 500 will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 40 and FIG. 41.

The IC card 500 has an antenna 507, a power control circuit 504, amodulation/demodulation circuit 508, a display write IC 505, a displaydriver 506, and a display portion 510.

The antenna 507 transmits or receives a variety of signals via theantenna 701 that the PTS terminal 700 has.

The power control circuit 504 has a second voltage increase circuit 531and a third voltage increase circuit 532. The second voltage increasecircuit 531 increases the intensity of a signal from the antenna 507 upto a voltage that the modulation/demodulation circuit 508 to bedescribed later can process. The third voltage increase circuit 532increases a voltage from a power source up to a voltage for driving thedisplay driver 506 to be described later.

The modulation/demodulation circuit 508 has a signal generator 521 and awaveform detector circuit 522. The signal generator 521 outputs a signalof a specific frequency and then mixes the output signal with a signalthat is received from the antenna 507 to thereby convert the mixedsignal to a signal that the display write IC 505 to be described latercan process. The waveform detector circuit 522 detects the signal thatis received from the antenna 507 as a waveform.

The display write IC 505 has a CPU 553, a credit data memory 552, and adisplay controller 551.

The CPU 553 executes a money data rewrite update program and thenrewrites and updates the money data that is stored in the credit datamemory 552, based on the money data that is acquired from the PTSterminal 700.

In addition, the CPU 553 controls the display controller 551, causes themoney data that is stored in the credit data memory 552 to be used as adisplay data, and then, causes the display portion 510 to display thedata via a display driver 506 to be described later.

The credit data memory 552 stores: the aforementioned money data rewriteupdate program; and credit-related data such as money data,identification codes, and display money data. The items of thecredit-related data that are stored in the credit data memory 552 areused for computation or for display.

The display controller 551 acquires the display credit data that isstored in the credit data memory 552, based on a CPU 553 control signal,and then, causes the display portion 510 to display the acquired datavia the display driver 506.

An IC card 500 has a communication IC 509. The communication IC 509 has:a first voltage increase circuit 543; a signal generator 546; a waveformdetector circuit 545; a transmission control portion 544; a CPU 542, andan authentication memory 541. The first voltage increase circuit 543increases terminal-side authentication data that is acquired from thePTS terminal 700 up to a voltage that the CPU 542 to be described latercan process.

The signal generator 546 outputs a signal of a specific frequency andthen mixes the output signal with a signal that is received from theantenna 507 to thereby convert the mixed signal to a signal that the CPU542 can process. The waveform detector circuit 522 detects the signalthat is received from the antenna 507 as a waveform.

The CPU 542 executes an authentication routine program and thentransmits to the PTS terminal 700 an identification code that is storedin the authentication memory 541 to be described later, when anauthentication request from the PTS terminal 700 occurs. Theauthentication memory 541 stores the authentication routine program thatthe CPU 542 uses and the identification code.

(Symbols, Combinations or the Like)

Symbols 301 that are displayed in display windows 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, and 7Eof the slot machine 10 described above form a symbol array by means of22 symbols. Any code number of 0 to 21 is assigned to any of symbolsconfiguring each symbol array, as shown in FIG. 42. Each symbol array isconfigured by allowing “JACKPOT 7”, “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”,“STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, “ORANGE”, and “APPLE” symbols to be combined witheach other.

Three continuous symbols in symbol arrays are displayed (arranged) at arespective one of an upper stage 7 a, a middle stage 7 b, and a lowerstage 7 c of each of the display windows 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, and 7E, wherebya symbol matrix of five columns and three lines are configured in thedisplay windows 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, and 7E. The symbols configuring thesymbol matrix starts scrolling when a game is started, if a start buttonis depressed after a BET button has been depressed. When a predeterminedperiod of time has elapsed after scrolling has been started, scrollingof the respective symbols stops (are rearranged).

In addition, a variety of winning combinations are predetermined as tothe respective symbols. A winning combination designates that acombination in a state in which a combination of symbols having stoppedon a pay line is advantageous to a player. A word “advantageous state”designates a state such as a state in which coins according to a winningcombination is paid out, a state in which the payout number of coins isadded to credits, a state in which a bonus game is started.

Specifically, a bonus trigger is established when a combination of“APPLE” symbols has stopped on a pay line and then the play statemigrates from a basic game to a bonus game. In addition, in a basicgame, in a case where a combination of “CHERRY” symbols has stopped on apay line, payout of twenty coins per 1 BET (variable values) isperformed. In addition, in a basic game, in a case where a combinationof “PLUM” symbols has stopped on a pay line, payout of five coins per 1BET is performed.

A bonus game is a play state that is more advantageous than in a basicgame In addition, if a play state is advantageous to a player, i.e., ifa play state is more advantageous than in a basic game, another bonusgame may be employed together. For example, as another bonus game, therecan be employed: a state in which more coins can be acquired than in abasic game, a state in which coins can be acquired at a higherprobability than in a basic game, a state in which lesser coins areconsumed than in a basic game; or a free game and the like.

(Prize Management Table)

FIG. 43 shows a prize management table for managing a prize to beawarded based on a winning combination. This prize management table isstored in a ROM 242 of a main control board 71, and items of prizeinformation are associated with types of winning combination. Forexample, a prize corresponding to a “BELL” winning combination is “10”.A prize corresponding to a “BLUE 7” winning combination is “40”. In theembodiment, prizes in a basic game and in a free game are set to beequal to each other in amount.

(Number-of-Free-Games Table)

FIG. 44 shows a table to be referred to when determining the number offree games relative to the number of points that is acquired in a commongame in a basic game. In the number-of-free-games table, the number ofpoints that is awarded in a common game is associated with the number offree games. For example, in a case where the number of cumulative pointsis “4”, “80” free games are executed. In addition, in a case where thenumber of cumulative points is “8”, “160” free games are executed. Inthis manner, a result of a common game is successful in a basic game andthen more points are acquired, whereby a free game can be continuedlonger.

(Reel Setting Table and Magnetic Force Detection Value Table)

FIG. 45 is an explanatory view showing a relationship between a reelsetting table and a magnetic force detection value table in a case wherea symbol array, a reel origin, and a magnetic detection value areassociated with each other. The reel setting table has a code numberfield, a symbol array field, and a magnetic force detection value field.There exist five kinds of reel setting tables for first to fifth symbolarrays. FIG. 45 shows a reel setting table for the first symbol array.The reel setting table for the first symbol array shows that when a siteof a reel M3 at which a “BLUE 7” symbol of code number “08” has beenarranged is defined as a reel origin position, a magnetic forcedetection value (a reel origin magnetic force value) at the reel originposition is “ND78”, and shows a state of assigning a magnetic signalpattern made of a magnetic force detection value for one reel rotation(for one cycle) relative to symbols of all code numbers. In this manner,the reel setting table is capable of specifying rearranged symbols byreading each magnetic force detection value of a magnetic force signalpattern.

In addition, the magnetic force detection value table is a table forstoring a magnetic force detection value obtained by numericallydefining a magnetic force detection signal when the magnetic forcedetection signal is obtained by detecting a magnetic force in anexternal magnetic field when a reel M3 is rotated. That is, the magneticforce detection value table is capable of storing a magnetic forcedetection value of a magnetic signal pattern of one cycle or more. Forexample, in a case where a site of a reel M3 at which a “BLUE 7” symbolsof code number “08” has been arranged is set or selected as a reelorigin position, if a magnetic force detection value (a reel originmagnetic force value) obtained when an external command signal has beeninput is “ND78”, a magnetic force signal pattern is stored in a magneticforce detection value field so that the “ND78” is stored in the magneticforce detection value field that corresponds to code number “08” of thereel setting table.

(Processing Operation of Slot Machine 10: Startup Processing)

Next, startup processing to be performed in a slot machine 10 will bedescribed. When power is supplied to the slot machine, a startupprocessing routine shown in FIG. 46 is executed on a motherboard 240 anda gaming board 250. In the embodiment, it is assumed that a memory card253 is inserted into a card slot 253S of the gaming board 250 and then aGAL 254 is mounted on an IC socket 254S.

First, when a power switch is turned on (powered on) in a power unit245, the motherboard 240 and the gaming board 250 are started up. Afterthe motherboard 240 and the gaming board 250 have been started up,individual processing operations are made in parallel. That is, in thegaming board 250, a CPU 251 executes a processing operation of readingout a preliminary authentication program that is stored in a boot ROM252 and a processing operation of performing preliminary authenticationby means of the authentication program. The word “preliminaryauthentication” used here designates a processing operation of checkingand authenticating that tampering of an authentication program is notperformed in advance before being taken in the motherboard 240 inaccordance with the preliminary authentication program (A1).

On the other hand, in the motherboard 240, a main CPU 241 executes aBIOS that is stored in a ROM 242. As a result, compression data that isincorporated in the BIOS is decompressed in a RAM 243 (B1). Then, themain CPU 241 executes the BIOS that is decompressed in the RAM 243 andthen diagnoses and initializes a variety of peripheral devices (B2).

After that, the main CPU 241 reads out the authentication program thatis stored in a ROM 255 via a PCI bus and stores the read outauthentication program in the RAM 243 (B3). At this time, the main CPU241 takes a check sum by means of an ADD SUM system (a standard checkfunction), in accordance with a function of a standard BIOS of the BIOS.In this manner, it is checked whether or not the authentication programis stored in the RAM 243 smoothly without any problem.

Next, the main CPU 241 checks a member that is connected to an IDE bus.After that, the main CPU 241 provides an access via an IDE bus to amemory card 253 that is inserted into a card slot 253S and then readsout game programs and game system programs from the memory card 253. Inthis case, data configuring the game programs and the game systemprograms is read out by four bytes. Subsequently, the main CPU 241performs authentication to check and certify that tampering of the readout game programs and game system programs is not performed, inaccordance with the authentication program that is stored in the RAM 243(B4).

After authentication processing completes normally, the main CPU 241writes and stores the game programs and game system programs that aretargeted for authentication (that have been authenticated) in the RAM243 (B5).

Next, the main CPU 241 provides an access to a GAL 254 that is mountedon an IC socket 254S, reads payout rate setting data from the GAL 254,and then writes and stores the read data in the RAM 243 (B6). Afterthat, the main CPU 241 performs a processing operation of reading outcountry identification information that is stored in the ROM 255 of thegaming board 250 and storing the read out country identificationinformation in the RAM 243 (B7).

As a result of the fact that the above authentication processing hasbeen executed, the main CPU 241 determines whether or not programs anddata are normal (B8). If they are not normal (B8, NO), an abnormalsignal including ID information for specifying a slot machine 10 isoutput to an intensive monitoring device, although not shown. Theintensive monitoring device specifies an abnormal slot machine 10 basedon the abnormal signal, instructs a staff waiting in the vicinity of theslot machine 10 to take troubleshooting processing, and storesabnormality history information such as a date and time when such anabnormality has occurred or a location where such an abnormality hasoccurred (B18). After that, a speaker 23 of the slot machine 10generates a sound and then a light emitting portion 20 emits light,whereby an abnormal state is broadcasted. After that, this routine inthe motherboard 240 is completed.

On the other hand, in a case where the programs and data are normal (B8,YES), operations of sensors or the like included in a slot machine 10are checked in sequential order (B9). Then, it is determines whether ornot all of the sensors or the like operate normally (B10). In a casewhere at least one of the sensors or the like fails (B10, NO), the stepsB18 and B19 described above are executed and then this routine iscompleted.

On the other hand, in a case where all of the sensors or the like arenormal (B10, YES), operations of all of driving mechanisms are thensequentially checked (B11). Then, it is determined whether or not all ofthe driving mechanisms operate normally (B12). In a case where at leastone of the driving mechanisms fails (B12, NO), the steps B18 and B19described above are executed and then this routine is completed. On theother hand, in a case where all of the drive mechanism are normal (B12,YES), operations of all of electrical accessories are then sequentiallychecked (B13). Then, it is determined whether or not all of theelectrical accessories operate normally (B14). In a case where at leastone of the electrical accessories fails (B14, NO), the steps B18 and B19described above are executed and then this routine is completed.

On the other hand, in a case where all of the electrical accessories arenormal (B14, YES), a startup signal indicating that they have started upnormally is output to an intensive monitor device or the like, althoughnot shown (B15). After that, basic game processing is executed (B16) andthen this routine is completed. A detailed description of the basic gameprocessing will be given hereinafter.

(Basic Game Processing)

FIG. 47 and FIG. 48 are flowcharts showing a flow of processingoperation in a basic game of a slot machine 10, which is executed bymeans of the main CPU 241 of the slot machine 10. One routine of FIG. 47and FIG. 48 corresponds to a unit game. It is assumed that the slotmachine 10 is started up in advance, and on the other hand, variablesemployed in the main CPU 241 on the side of the game controller 1 areinitialized at predetermined values, whereby the slot machine 10operates normally.

First, it is determined whether or not a credit remains as a remainingnumber of coins that a player has inserted (S1). Specifically, thenumber of credits C that is stored in the RAM 243 is read out and then aprocessing operation based on the read out number of credits C is made.In a case where the number of credits C is “0” (S1, NO), a game cannotbe started, and therefore, this routine is completed without making anyprocessing operation. On the other hand, in a case where the number ofcredits C is “1” or more (S1, YES), it is determined that a creditremains and then the routine is caused to revert to S2.

In step S2, it is determined whether or not a press operation of anoperating button 11 (a BET button) has been made (S2). In a case wherethe operating button 11 (the BET button) is not operated after apredetermined period of time has elapsed (S2, NO), a game condition isset (S3). Specifically, based on the operation of the operating button11 (the BET button), the number of coins to be betted for a pay line inthis game is determined. At this time, an operating signal that isissued by the fact that operation of the operating button 11 (the BETbutton) has been made is received, and based on the number of times ofreceiving the received operating signal, the number of BETs relating toa pay line is stored in a predetermine memory space of the RAM 243.Then, the number of credits C that is written in a predetermined memoryspace of the RAM 243 is read out. A total number of BETs to which theabove number of BETs has been added is subtracted from the read outnumber of credits C. The subtracted value is stored in a predeterminedmemory space of the RAM 243.

After that, it is determined whether or not an operating button 11 (astart button) has been operated (S4). In a case where the operatingbutton 11 (the start button) is not operated (S4, NO), S4 is repeatedlyexecuted, whereby a standby state is established until the operatingbutton 11 has been operated. In a case where the operating button 11(the start button) has been operated (S4, YES), it is determined whetheror not a common game is started (S5).

On the other hand, in a case where the operating button 11 (the BETbutton) has been pressed in step S2 (S2, YES), it is determined whetheror not a value indicating the number of credits C is equal to or greaterthan a total number of BETs in a previous game. In other words, it isdetermined whether or not a game can be started by a press operation ofthe operating button 11 (the BET button). Specifically, when theoperating button 11 (the BET button) is pressed, the number of credits Cthat is written in the predetermined memory space of the RAM 243 and thenumber of BETs relating to a pay line in a previous game are read out.Based on a relationship between the read out number of credits C and thenumber of BETs, a processing operation is made in accordance withwhether or not the number of credits C is equal to or greater than avalue indicating a total number of BETs in a previous game. In a casewhere the value indicating the number of credits C is less than thetotal number of BETs in the previous game (S16, NO), a game cannot bestarted, and therefore, this routine is completed without making anyprocessing operation.

On the other hand, in a case where it is determined that the valueindicating the number of credits C is equal to or greater than the totalnumber of BETs in the previous game (S16, YES), the value indicating thetotal number of BETs in the previous game is subtracted from the valueindicating the number of credits C. Then, the subtracted value is storedin the predetermined memory space of the RAM 243. After that, it isdetermined whether or not a common game is started (S5).

In a case where it is determined that the common game is started (S6,YES), a common game start flag is set to “ON” (S7). Specifically, dataindicating that the game start flag has been set to “ON” is written in amemory space for the common game start flag of the RAM 243. On the otherhand, in a case where it is determined that the common game is notstarted (S6, NO), combination determination processing is executed (S8).

In the combination determination processing, a combination of stoppedsymbols along a pay line is first determined. Specifically, a commandadapted to generate random numbers for a random number generator isissued. Then, a predetermined range of random numbers that is generatedby means of the random number generator is extracted. The extractedrandom numbers are stored in a predetermined memory space of the RAM243. While, in the embodiment, random numbers are generated in therandom number generator that is provided outside of the main CPU 241,they may be generated in accordance with computation processing of themain CPU 241 without providing this random number generator.

After that, a random number table and a winning combination table forawarding a prize, each of which is stored in the ROM 242, are read out.The read out random number table and winning combination table arestored in a predetermined memory space of the RAM 243. Based on therandom number table described above, stop-display is controlled for eachreel.

Next, the random number table and winning combination table, each ofwhich is started in the predetermined memory space of the RAM 243, areread out. While the random numeric values that are written in thepredetermined memory space of the RAM 243 are defined as parameters, therandom number table are to be referred to. Then, a combination ofstopped symbols relating to a pay line is determined.

When a winning combination is determined, the winning combination tableis stored in the predetermined memory space of the RAM 243. The randomnumeric values that are written in the predetermined memory space of theRAM 243 and the winning combination table are read out. Then, based onthe random numeric values and winning combination table, a stoppedsymbol combination to be displayed in a stopped state is determined. Atthis time, a symbol arrangement table that is stored in the ROM 242 isread out by means of the main CPU 241 and then is stored and referred toin a predetermined memory space of the RAM 243. The determined stoppedsymbol data described above is stored in a predetermined memory space ofthe RAM 243. As a substitute, stopped symbols may be determined for eachreel with the use of the random number table described above.

When a combination of stopped symbols relating to the pay line describedabove is determined, it is determined whether or not the combination ofstopped symbols relating to the pay line is a winning combination. In acase where the combination of stopped symbols relating to the pay lineis a winning combination, a flag indicating that a prize indicating akind of the winning combination is to be awarded is activated in orderto generate a prize that corresponds to a symbol combination that is thedetermined winning combination on the pay line. The flag indicating thatthe activated prize is to be awarded is stored in a predetermined memoryspace of the RAM 243. On the other hand, in a case where the combinationof stopped symbols relating to the pay line is another combination,i.e., a losing combination, the flag indicating that the prize is to beawarded is not activated.

In the combination determination processing of step S8 described above,a combination may be determined as is the case with a unit gameemploying scatter symbols. In a case where scatter symbols are employed,it is determined whether or not a winning prize is established accordingto the number of scatter symbols having been rearranged. The number ofscatter symbols having been rearranged can be counted according tosymbols configuring the combination that is determined in accordancewith the determination processing of step S8. For example, with the useof a code number indicating the determined combination, the number ofscatter symbols can be counted referring to a data table shown in FIG.42.

After the above combination determination processing has been executed,a subroutine of expectation value meter lighting control processing ofFIG. 93 to be described later is invoked and executed (S18). Next, reels30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, and 30E are rotated so as to move a plurality ofsymbols 301 in a plurality of display windows 7A to 7E (S9). In the stepS9, a subroutine of FIG. 66 to be described later is invoked andexecuted. The processing operation of starting reel rotation shown inFIG. 66 is executed, whereby a normal rotation mode or a variety ofspecial rotation modes are selected and then reel rotation control isperformed. After that, the routine is waited until a predeterminedperiod of time has elapsed (S10). Then, rotation of the reels 30A, 30B,30C, 30D, and 30E is automatically stopped (S11). In the step S11, asubroutine of FIG. 67 to be described later is invoked and executed. Theprocessing operation of stopping reels shown in FIG. 66 is executed,whereby reel stop control is performed in a normal stop mode or in aspecial stop mode. In accordance with the processing operation of thestep S11, the reels 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, and 30E are automaticallycontrolled to be stopped so as to form a combination that is determinedin accordance with the combination determination processing of step S8.That is, in accordance with the processing operation of the step S11,symbols are rearranged so as to form a combination that is determined inaccordance with the combination determination processing of step S8.

Next, in the combination determination processing in step S8, it isdetermined whether or not a winning combination is established (S12).Specifically, this determination is made based on a state of a flagindicating that a prize relating to a pay line stored in a predeterminedmemory space of the RAM 243 is to be awarded. In a case where the flagindicating that the prize is to be awarded is not activated (S12, NO),it is determined that no winning combination is established and thenthis routine is completed.

On the other hand, in a case where the flag indicating that the prize isto be awarded is activated (S12, YES), it is determined whether or not awinning combination established in accordance with the combinationdetermination processing in S8 is “BLUE 7”. Specifically, in a casewhere the winning combination is “BLUE 7” (S13, YES), coins whose numberaccording to the winning combination are paid out (S17) and then thisroutine is completed.

On the other hand, in a case where the winning combination is not “BLUE7” (S13, NO), it is determined whether or not a common game completionflag is set to ON (S14). Specifically, it is determined whether or notdata indicating that the common game completion flag is set to ON iswritten in a common game completion flag region of the RAM 243. In acase where the common game completion is not set to ON (S14, NO), S14 isrepeatedly executed, whereby a standby state is established. Inaddition, in a case where the common game completion flag is set to ON(S14, YES), free game processing is executed (S15). Then, this routineis completed.

<<Bonus Game Processing>>

FIG. 49 is a subroutine showing bonus game processing to be invoked andexecuted in step S15 of FIG. 48. A bonus game is started after theroutine has migrated from a basic game to the bonus game on a conditionthat five or more bonus symbols have been rearranged in the basic game.This bonus game is a game to be played by determining a magnification ofbonus symbols in accordance with roulette lottery processing and thendetermining a prize to be awarded to a player in accordance with theprize when a free game has been played and the determined magnification.

First, the CPU 71 determines the number of times of roulette lottery,based on the number of bonus symbols that have been rearranged in abasic game (step S4911). For example, when five bonus symbols have beenrearranged in a basic game, the number of times of roulette lottery isdetermined to be once; when six bonus symbols have been rearranged, thenumber is determined to twice; when seven bonus symbols have beenrearranged, the number is determined to be three times; when eight bonussymbols have been rearranged, the number is determined to be five times;when nine bonus symbols have been rearranged, the number is determinedto be seven times; and when ten bonus symbols have been rearranged, thenumber is determined to be ten times. In this way, the more bonussymbols have been rearranged in a basic game, the more times of roulettelottery are.

Next, the CPU 71 performs roulette lottery processing (step S4913). Amagnification is determined in accordance with this roulette lotteryprocessing. For example, when a plurality of magnifications are 15, 20,25, 50, 100, 200, 250, 500, and 1000, one of these magnifications isdetermined in accordance with the roulette lottery processing.

In addition, in the processing of the step S4913, the upper imagedisplay panel 131 displays an image simulating a roulette board on whichimages indicating a plurality of magnifications are arranged in acircumferential shape. When roulette lottery starts, the imagesindicating the plurality of magnifications are selected on a one by oneimage basis and then the selected images are displayed in anillumination mod and are displayed in a non-illumination mode. Theillumination display and the non-illumination display are sequentiallymade as to the images indicating the plurality of magnifications,thereby making a display in such a manner that a magnification isdetermined by means of a roulette as if the illumination display and thenon-display display were rotating.

Duplicated same magnifications may be included in the images indicatingthe plurality of magnifications. For example, it may be that three lowmagnifications 15 or 20 are included, two 25 or 30 magnifications areincluded, and only one magnification that is greater than thesemagnifications is included. By doing this, a lower magnification can bedefined to be easily won, and a higher magnification can be defined tobe hardly won.

In addition, when roulette lottery processing is performed a pluralityof times, a roulette is disabled to stop at an image indicating amagnification have been won once. By doing this, a player can be given asense of expectation that a higher magnification will be won. In a casewhere a plurality of same magnifications are included in duplicate, aroulette is enabled to stop at a different image with a samemagnification. For example, in the example described above, three lowmagnifications 15 (a first magnification 15, a second magnification 15,and a third magnification 15) are included. After the firstmagnification 15 has won in a first time of winning prize determinationprocessing, winning prize determination processing is executed excludingthis first magnification 15. That is, in a case where the firstmagnification 15 has won in the first time of winning prizedetermination processing, the second magnification 15 and the thirdmagnification 15 are targeted for winning prize determination processingas to the magnifications 15. Therefore, even in a case where themagnification 15 (the first magnification 15) has won in the first timeof the winning prize determination processing, 15 there may occur a caseof winning in the second time of the winning prize determinationprocessing (winning of the second magnification 15 and the thirdmagnification 15).

Next, the CPU 71 stores a magnification that is determined in accordancewith the roulette lottery processing of step S4913 (step S4915). Inaddition, the processing of step S4915, an image of the magnificationthat is determined in accordance with the roulette lottery processing isfinally displayed to be illuminated. By doing this, a player canvisually recognize the magnification that is determined in accordancewith the roulette lottery processing.

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not to complete roulette lotteryprocessing (step S4917). As described above, the number of times ofroulette lottery is determined in accordance with the processingoperation of step S4911, and roulette lottery processing can beperformed by the determined number. The determination of step S4917 is aprocessing operation of determining whether or not roulette lotteryprocessing has been performed by the determined number in the processingoperation of step S4911.

Next, when the CPU 71 determines that roulette lottery processing is notcompleted in the determination processing of step S4917 (NO), the CPU 71causes the routine to reverts to the step S4913 described above.

When roulette lottery processing has been performed a plurality oftimes, the magnification that is determined in each lottery processingoperation is added and then the added magnification is stored in theprocessing operation of step S4915. For example, when the number oftimes of roulette lottery has been determined to be two times inaccordance with the processing operation of step S4911, the roulettelottery processing of step S4913 is repeated two times. After amagnification has been set to 50 in a first time of roulette lotteryprocessing, when a magnification has been set to 50 in a second time ofroulette lottery processing as well, the added 100 (=50+50) is set as amagnification that is determined in the roulette lottery processing andthen the setting is stored in the processing operations of step S4915.

When the CPU 71 determines that roulette lottery processing has beencompeted in the determination processing of step S4917 (YES), a counterindicating the number of free games is initialized (step S4919). Forexample, the counter indicating the number of free games is set to 7. Bydoing this, seven free games can be performed.

Next, the CPU 71 performs a free game using five reels M3 a to M3 e(step S4921). Then, the CPU 71 determines a prize to be awarded to aplayer, based on a result of the free game (step S4923). Specifically,when bonus symbols have been displayed in a stopped state by rearrangingthem after the free game has been performed, a numeric value obtained bymultiplying the probability described above for the number of bonussymbols that are displayed in a stopped state is awarded to a player asa prize.

For example, after a free game has been performed once, when four bonussymbols have been displayed in a stopped state, a magnification isdetermined to be 100 (=50+50) in the example described above; andtherefore, in the free game at that time, 4×100=400 is awarded to aplayer as a prize.

Next, the CPU 71 updates a counter indicating the number of free games(step S4925). For example, the counter indicating the number of freegames is subtracted by 1.

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not to complete the free game(step S4927). For example, the CPU 71 determines whether or not a valueof the counter indicating the number of free games is set to zero.

When the CPU 71 determines that the free game is not completed (NO), theCPU 71 determines whether or not to perform retrigger from a result ofthe free game that has been performed in step S4921 (step S4929).Retrigger is to change a magnification by performing roulette lotteryprocessing again. For example, a condition for performing retrigger isthat five or more bonus symbols have been displayed in a stopped statein a free game. That is, the determination processing of step S4929 is aprocessing operation of determining whether or not five or more bonussignals have been displayed in a stopped state in a free game.

When it is determined that retrigger is performed in the determinationprocessing of step S4929 (YES), roulette lottery processing is performed(step S4931), a magnification is changed (step S4933), and then thecounter indicating the number of free games is updated (step S4935).

The roulette lottery processing of step S4931 is a processing operationsimilar to that of the step S4913 described above. Further, like thesteps S4911 to S4917 described above, the number of times that roulettelottery can be performed may be determined according to the number ofbonus symbols that have been displayed in a stopped state in a freegame.

A processing operation of changing a magnification in step S4933 is aprocessing operation of adding a current magnification to themagnification that determined in the processing operation of the stepS4915 described above. For example, when a magnification 100 has newlywon in the processing operation of step S4931, the magnification hasbeen already set to 100 (50+50) in the example described above; andtherefore, 100+100=200 is updated as a new magnification in accordancewith the processing operation of step S4933. In a free game to beperformed after that, this new magnification is multiplied and then aprize is determined.

A processing operation of updating the counter indicating the number offree games in step S4935 is a processing operation of increasing thenumber of free games to a predetermined number of times, for example,five times.

When the CPU 71 determines that no retrigger is performed in thedetermination processing of the step S4929 described above (NO) or whenthe CPU 71 executes the processing operation of step S4935, the CPU 71causes the routine to revert to step S4921.

In addition, when it is determined that a free game is completed in thedetermination processing of the step S4927 described above (YES), thissubroutine is completed.

(Common Game Processing)

Next, common game processing will be described with reference to FIG.50.

First, a common game screen that is a rendering screen at the time ofstopping a common game is displayed in an upper liquid crystal displaypanel 5A (S201). Then, it is determined whether or not a common gamestart flat is set to ON. Specifically, it is determined whether or notdata indicating that the common game start flag is set to ON is writtenin a region of the game start flag of a RAM 243 (S202).

In a case where the common game start flag is not set to ON (S202, NO),this routine is completed. On the other hand, in a case where the commongame start flag is set to ON (S202, YES), a rendering screen at the timeof common game execution is displayed in the upper liquid crystal panel5A (S204).

Next, a common game is started (S205). Then, it is determined whether ornot a player has won the common game (S206). Specifically, it isdetermined whether or not the common game is caused to be successfulwith the use of random numeric values obtained by extracting randomnumbers.

After that, it is determined whether or not the player has won thecommon game (S207). In the case where the player has won the game (S207,YES), a cumulative number of points is counted up by 1 point (S208) andthen the cumulative number of points is displayed (S209). Then, it isdetermined whether or not the common game has been executed apredetermined number of times (S210). On the other hand, in a case wherethe player has not won the game (S207, NO), it is determined whether ornot the common game has been executed a predetermined number of timeswithout counting up the cumulative number of points (S210).

In a case where the common game has not been executed a predeterminednumber of times (S210, NO), the game is executed again from S203 andthen a next common game is started. For example, in a case where acommon game has been repeatedly performed 10 times, for example, (S210,YES), a current screen is switched to a basic game screen (S211). Afterthat, the number of free games is determined (S212) and then thecumulative number of points is reset (S213). Then, the common gamecompletion flag is set to ON (S214) and then this routine is completed.

(First Reel Setting Processing)

First reel setting processing will be described with reference to FIG.51. First, it is determined whether or not a reel setting command hasbeen executed (S501). If no reel setting command is executed (S501, NO),this processing operation is completed. On the other hand, as shown inFIG. 1, if a reel setting device 635 is connected to a slot machine 10to enable data communication therewith, it is determined that the reelsetting command has been executed by sensing this connection (S501,YES). It may be determined that the reel setting command has beenexecuted by a reel setting command signal being transmitted to a mainPCB 110 of the slot machine 10 by means of key operation in the reelsetting device 635. After that, the slot machine 10 instructs the reelsetting device 635 to display a setting screen. In this manner, the reelsetting device 635 displays a procedure for reel setting or a manual ona screen (S502).

Next, an operator makes key operation from the reel setting device 635,whereby it is determined whether or not a data signal of a reel numberhas been received from the reel setting device 635 (S503). In a casewhere no data signal has been received (S503, NO), a standby state isestablished by executing S503 again. On the other hand, in a case wherethe data signal of the reel number has been received (S503, YES), anyone the first to fifth reel units M11 a to M11 e that corresponds to thereel number is targeted to be set and then the following processingoperation is executed.

First, an operator having specified a reel number manually operates areel M3 of each of the first to fifth reel units M11 a to M11 e thatcorresponds to the specified reel number. Then, a magnetic force signalpattern for at least one rotation is acquired and then the acquiredpattern is stored in a magnetic force detection value table of FIG. 45(S504). After that, it is determined whether or not an operation commandsignal has been input (S504), or in a case where the signal is not input(S504, NO), a standby state is established.

The operation command signal is input to a slot machine 10 by the reelsetting device 635 being made by key operation when a specific site hasmoved a predetermined position (a rotation angle of a predetermined reelM3) in a case where the specific site such as a specific symbol 501 isdefined as a reel origin position. When an operation command signal isinput (S504, YES), a magnetic force detection signal is read with aninput timing of this operation command signal and then a magnetic forcedetection value of this magnetic force detection signal is acquired as areel origin magnetic force value (S506).

After that, a magnetic force signal pattern, a reel origin magneticforce value, and a symbol are associated with each other (S507). Forexample, as shown in FIG. 45, in a case where a site of a reel M3 onwhich a “BLUE 7” symbol of code number “08” has been arranged is set orselected as a reel origin position, if a magnetic force detection value(a reel origin magnetic force value) obtained when an external commandsignal has been input is “ND78”, a magnetic force signal pattern isstored in a magnetic force detection value field so that the “ND78” isstored in a magnetic force detection value field that corresponds tocode number “08” of a reel setting table.

As described above, a slot machine 10 of the embodiment, as shown inFIG. 1, has: a reel M3 having symbols 501 arranged on an outercircumferential face; a reel drive mechanism M5 configured to rearrangethe symbols 501 by rotationally driving the reel M3; a magnet M201 thatis provided in the reel drive mechanism M5 so as to change an externalmagnetic field by means of rotation of the reel M3; a magnetic forcedetecting mechanism M202 configured to output a magnetic force detectionsignal by detecting a magnetic force in the external magnetic field; areel setting means for associating a magnetic force detection signal andan arrangement position of the symbols 501 with each other (a reelsetting portion 632 of FIG. 2); and a reel drive control means (a mainPCB 110 of FIG. 38 and FIG. 39) for controlling the reel drive mechanismM5 so as to rearrange the symbols 501 in a predetermined arrangementstate based on the magnetic force detection signal and the arrangementposition of the symbols 501.

In this manner, a slot machine 10 is capable of reducing a work loadrequired for arrangement more remarkably than in a case where symbols501 are arranged while being positioned relative to a predeterminedposition (an origin position) of a reel M3, in a case where symbols 501are arranged on an outer circumferential face of the reel M3.

Second Embodiment

The first embodiment described a configuration of achieving reel controlin an analog manner by associating a magnetic force signal pattern forone cycle, in which a magnetic force changes with rotation of a reel M3,and a symbol array. Next, a description will be given with respect to aconfiguration of achieving reel control in a digital manner by forming adigital signal, based on the change of the magnetic force describedabove.

(Outline of Gaming Machine)

A gaming machine of a second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 52, has a slotmachine 10 that has been provided paying attention to the fact thatencoder signals includes an origin pulse signal and a position pulsesignal. An encode signal can be formed by obtaining a plurality ofmagnetic force detection signals having a phase difference of 90degrees, for example, by disposing a plurality of the magnetic forcedetecting mechanisms M202 in FIG. 1 in a point-symmetrical mannerrelative to a rotation center.

The slot machine 10 has a reel device M1 of mechanism reel system thatis capable of rearranging symbols 501 with the use of only an encodersignal that is output with rotation of a reel M3 by associating a originpulse signal and the arrangement position of symbols 501 with each otherby means of a correction pulse value based on a position pulse signal.

In a specific description, the slot machine 10 has: a reel device M1including a reel M3 and a reel control portion 631 of FIG. 53 configuredto control the reel device M1. The reel device M1 has: a reel M3 havingsymbols 501 on an outer circumferential face; a reel drive mechanism M5configured to rearrange the symbols 501 by rotating driving the reel M3;a reel angle detecting mechanism M2 configured to output a positionpulse signal in units of predetermined angles by means of rotation ofthe reel M3 and to output an origin pulse signal every one rotation ofthe reel M3; and a reel setting means (a reel setting portion 632 ofFIG. 53) for associating an origin pulse signal and the arrangementposition of the symbols 501 in accordance with a correction pulse valuebased on a position pulse signal.

In addition, the reel control portion 631 of FIG. 53 include, as a reeldrive control means, a function of controlling the reel drive mechanismM5 so as to rearrange symbols 501 in a predetermined arrangement state,based on a origin pulse signal, a correction pulse value, a phasedifference pulse signal, and the arrangement position of the symbols501.

In this manner, a slot machine 10 is capable of indirectly detecting thearrangement position of the symbols 501 based on the origin pulsesignal, the correction pulse value, and the phase difference pulsesignal even if the arrangement position of the symbols 501 is notdirectly detected by means of a sensor or the like, by associating theorigin pulse signal and the arrangement position of the symbols 501 witheach other in accordance with the correction pulse signal based on theposition pulse signal that is output in units of predetermined angles.Therefore, even if a positional relationship between the symbols 501 andthe reel M3 is not preset, the symbols 501 arranged on the reel M3 canbe specified, so that the symbols 501 can be rearranged in apredetermined arrangement state. As a result, in a case of performing awork of arranging the symbols 501 on the outer circumferential face ofthe reel M3, a work load required for arrangement can be reduced moreremarkably than in a case of arranging the symbols 501 while positioningthem with respect to a predetermined position (an origin position) ofthe reel M3.

(Functional Flow of Gaming Machine 300: Slot Machine)

A gaming machine 300 configured as described above has: a slot machine10 and an external control device 621 (a center controller 200) that isconnected to the slot machine 10 to enable data communication therewith.The slot machine 10 enables a reel setting device 635 to be connectedthereto via a transmitting/receiving portion 652. The reel settingdevice 635 has a function as an external operating means for outputtingan operation command signal by means of an external operation.

Further, the slot machine 10 has a reel control portion 631, a reelsetting portion 632, a reel setting storage portion 633, a reel angledetecting portion 634, and a reel origin detecting portion 636. The reelorigin detecting portion 636 has a function of outputting a reel originsignal when an origin position of a reel M3 has been detected. On theother hand, the reel angle detecting portion 634 has a function ofoutputting a position pulse signal, an origin pulse signal, and a phasedifference pulse signal.

Specifically, the reel angle detecting portion 634 is an encoder deviceconfigured to output a position pulse signal, an origin pulse signal,and a phase difference pulse signal by magnetically detecting rotationof a reel M3. The position pulse signal is output in units ofpredetermined angles by means of rotation of the reel M3. The originpulse signal is output every one rotation of the reel M3. The pulsedifference pulse signal is output with a phase difference of 90 degrees,for example, so as to be able to detect forward and backward directionsof the reel M3.

The reel setting storage portion 633 stores a variety of data requiredfor reel setting such as a correction pulse value based on a positionpulse signal. The reel control portion 631 has a function of controllinga reel device M1 so as to rearrange symbols 501 in a predeterminedarrangement state based on an origin pulse signal, a correction pulsevalue, a phase difference pulse signal, and the arrangement position ofsymbols 501.

The reel setting portion 632 has a function of associating an originpulse signal and the arrangement position of symbols 501 with each otherin accordance with a correction pulse value based on a position pulsesignal. Specifically, the reel setting portion 632 has a function ofstarting counting of a phase difference pulse signal with an outputtiming of an operation command signal and then defining a count valuewhen counting has been stopped with an output timing of the origin pulsesignal as a correction pulse value. In this manner, the operationcommand is output by means of an external operation; and therefore,symbols 501 can be positioned at a predetermined position (an originposition) of a reel M3 merely by performing a setting work of operatingthe reel setting device 635 with a timing when a predeterminedarrangement state has been established while an operator visually checkthe arrangement state of the symbols 501. As a result, the reel settingportion 632 enables a work of setting a positional relationship betweenthe symbols 501 and the reel M3 to be easily started by means ofoperation of the reel setting device 635.

Further, the reel setting portion 632 has a function of detectingwhether a rotation direction of a reel M3 is either of the forward andbackward directions by means of a phase difference pulse signal, andwhen the phase difference pulse signal is counted, offsetting the phasedifference pulse signal at the time of forward rotation and the phasedifference pulse signal at the time of backward direction. In thismanner, the reel setting portion 632 enables a correction pulse value tobe precisely obtained even if a reel rotation direction is indefinite byoffsetting the phase difference pulse signal at the time of forwarddirection and the phase difference pulse signal at the time of backwardrotation.

Furthermore, a slot machine 10 has a malfunction sensing portion 637.The malfunction sensing portion 637 has a function of sensing anmalfunction of a reel angle detecting portion 634 based on arelationship between an origin position and an origin pulse signal of areel M3 that have been detected by means of a reel origin detectingportion 636. In this manner, the malfunction sensing portion 637 sensesan malfunction of the reel angle detecting portion 634 to thereby ableto prevent an occurrence of a failure that symbols 501 are notrearranged in a predetermined arrangement state. Other constituentelements are identical to those of the first embodiment.

(Electrical Configuration of Slot Machine: Reel Device M1)

A reel device M1 is connected to a main PCB 110. As shown in FIG. 54,each of the first to fifth reel units M11 a to M11 e has a reel boardM67. The reel board M67 has: an input/output portion 675 that isconnected to the main PCB 110 to enable data communication therewith; areel drive portion M672 that is connected to the input/output portionM675; a backlight drive portion M673; and a rendering device driveportion M674. An origin sensor M671 and an encoder device M21 arerespectively connected to the input/output portion M675.

(Reel Setting Table)

FIG. 55 shows an example of a data table that is employed in a case ofcomputing a correction symbol center value. This data table has: an itemfield adapted to store an item required to compute the correction symbolcenter value; a computation formula field adapted to store a computationformula of an item required for computation; an item value field adaptedto a specific value of each item; and a symbol data field adapted tostore a computation value of each symbol.

The item field has a “reel number”, a “number of symbols N”, a “codenumber”, a “number of periodic pulses EP”, a “number of unit pulses UP”,a “symbol boundary value Pn”, a “symbol center value SPn”, a “correctionpulse value AP”, and a “correction symbol center value ASPn”.

The “reel number” is data for specifying any of the first to fifth reelunits M11 a to M11 e. For example, in a case where the “item value”corresponding to the “reel number” is set to “1”, it designates that thefirst reel unit M11 a has been selected. That is, reel numbers “1” to“5” are assigned to the first to fifth reel units M11 a to M11 e, and anoperator can arbitrarily specify these reel numbers.

The “number of symbols N” is data for specifying the number of symbols501 that are arranged on a reel M3. For example, in a case where the“item value” corresponding to the “number of symbols N” is “22”, 22items of numeric value data of “00” to “21” are assigned to the symboldata field corresponding to the “code number”. The “number of periodicpulses EP” is the number of pulses to be output in a case where the reelM3 has made one rotation, and “200” is input, for example. In this case,the resonance of an encoder device M21 is indicated to be 200.

The “number of unit pulses UP” stores a computation value of the numberof periodic pulses EP/the number of symbols N. That is, “18” is stored.In this case, a width of one symbol 501 is indicated to be 18 pulses.The “symbol boundary value Pn” indicates a boundary value of each ofsymbols 501 to which code symbols “00” to “21” have been set. In thecase where n=N−1, i.e., in the symbols 501 of the code numbers “00” to“20”, the symbol boundary value Pn is obtained in accordance with acomputation formula of Pn=UPn×n. On the other hand, in the case wheren=N, i.e., in the symbols 501 of the code numbers “00” to “20”, thesymbol boundary value Pn is obtained in accordance with a computationformula of Pn=ER In this manner, a boundary value between the “codenumbers” of “00” and “01” is set to “18”, and a boundary value betweenthe “code numbers” of “01” and “02” is set to “36”.

The “symbol center value SPn” indicates an approximate value of a centerpoint on the boundary of the respective symbols 501. Specifically, thesymbol center value SPn is obtained in accordance with a computationformula of Sp≈Pn−Upn/2. For example, in a case where the “code number”is “00”, “9” is set, and in a case where the “code number” is “01”, “27”is set.

The “correction pulse value AP” indicates a total value of positionpulse signals from starting counting of positional pulse signals at anactual origin position of a reel M3 instructed by an operator to aninput of an origin pulse signal. That is, in a case where the reel M3has been rotated in a forward direction, AP=AP is obtained. In a casewhere the reel M3 has been rotated in a backward direction, AP=EP−AP isobtained. That is, a correction pulse value is subtracted from “200”indicating the number of periodic pulses EP, whereby a value is obtainedafter converted to a state in which the reel M3 has been rotated in aforward direction. For example, in a case where the “correction pulsevalue AP” of “70” is set, it indicates that a position pulse signal isgenerated by 70 pulses until an origin pulse signal of the encoderdevice M21 has been input from an origin position of the reel M3 (a reelband M32).

The “correction symbol center value ASPn” is a value indicating arelationship between an origin pulse signal that is corrected by acorrection pulse value AP and a position pulse signal of a symbol 501.That is, in accordance with a computation formula of ASPn=SPn+AP, arelationship between the origin pulse signal and the center position ofthe symbol 501 can be detected by means of the position pulse signal.For example, in a case where the “code number” is “00”, “79” is set, itindicates that a 79^(th) pulse of the position pulse signal from anoutput of the origin pulse signal becomes a center point of the symbol501 that is assigned by “00”.

Such data tables are respectively provided as to the first to fifth reelunits M11 a to M11 e, thereby making it possible to individually setreel specifications for the number of symbols, for example, as to thefirst to fifth reel units M11 a to M11 e. Other constituent elements areidentical to those of the first embodiment.

(Processing Operation of Slot Machine 10)

In the configuration described above, an operation of a slot machine 10will be described. Other processing operations are identical except thatsecond reel setting processing is executed in place of first reelsetting processing in the first embodiment.

(Second Reel Setting Processing)

The second reel setting processing will be described with reference toFIG. 56. First, it is determined whether or not a reel setting commandhas been executed (S301). In a case where the reel setting command isnot executed (S301, NO), this processing operation is completed. On theother hand, as shown in FIG. 52, if a reel setting device 635 isconnected to a slot machine 10 to enable data communication therewith,it is determined that the reel setting command has been executed bysensing this connection (S301, YES). It may be determined that the reelsetting command has been executed by a reel setting command signal beingtransmitted to a main PCB 110 of the slot machine 10 by means of keyoperation in the reel setting device 635. After that, the slot machine10 instructs the reel setting device 635 to display a setting screen. Inthis way, the reel setting device 635 displays a reel setting procedureor a manual on a screen (S302).

Next, an operator makes key operation from the reel setting device 635,whereby it is determined that a data signal of a reel number has beenreceived from the reel setting device 635 (S303). In a case where nodata signal has been received (S303, NO), a standby state is establishedby executing S303 again. On the other hand, in a case where the datasignal of the reel number has been received (S303, YES), each of thefirst to fifth reel units M11 a to M11 e that correspond to the reelnumber is targeted to be set and then the following processing operationis executed.

First, it is determined whether or not an operation command signal hasbeen received (S304). In a case where no operation command signal hasbeen received (S304, NO), a standby state is established by executingS304 again. In this standby state, an operator having specified a reelnumber manually rotates a reel M3 of each of the first to fifth reelunits M11 a to M11 e that corresponds to the specified reel number.Then, when a predetermined site of a specific symbol 501 or the like onthe reel M3 coincides with a reel origin position, an operation commandsignal is output to a slot machine 10 by means of key operation of thereel setting device 635. When this operation command signal is input(S304, YES), the input operation command signal is handled as being areel origin signal. Then, a correction pulse signal is reset to “0”(S305).

After that, input of encoder signals made of a position pulse signal ora phase difference pulse signal and an origin pulse signal from a reelangle detecting mechanism M2 is accepted (S306). An operator rotates areel M3 in a forward direction or in a backward direction, whereby it isdetermined whether or not the position pulse signal has been input(S307). In a case where no position pulse signal has been input (S307,NO), it is subsequently determined whether or not the origin pulsesignal has been input (S311). In a case where no origin pulse signal hasbeen input (S311, NO), S307 is executed again and then acceptance ofinput of the position pulse signal is continued.

On the other hand, in a case where the position pulse signal has beeninput (S307, YES), it is subsequently determined whether or not arotation direction of a reel M3 is a forward rotation based on the phasedifference pulse signal (S308). In a case where the rotation directionis a forward rotation (S308, YES), a correction pulse value is countedup by “1” (S309) and then it is determined whether or not the originpulse signal has been input (S311). On the other hand, in a case wherethe rotation direction is not a forward direction (S308, NO), thecorrection pulse value is counted down by “1” (S310) and then it isdetermined that the origin pulse signal has been input (S311). In thismanner, even in a case where the rotation direction of the reel M3 is ina state in which forward and backward directions coexist or in a casewhere a fluctuation occurs when the reel M3 is manually rotated, thecorrection pulse value can be precisely obtained.

Next, when the origin pulse signal is input (S311, YES), the counted upor counted down correction pulse value is stored in a reel setting tableof FIG. 55 together with a reel number (S312). After that, thecorrection symbol center value is obtained with the use of the reelsetting table (S313).

As described above, the slot machine 10 of the second embodiment, asshown in FIG. 52, has: a reel M3 having symbols 501 arranged on an outercircumferential face; a reel drive mechanism M5 configured to rearrangethe symbols 501 by rotationally driving the reel M3; a reel angledetecting mechanism M2 configured to output a position pulse signal inunits of predetermined angles by means of rotation of the reel M3 and tooutput an origin pulse signal every one rotation of the reel M3; a reelsetting means (a reel setting portion 632 of FIG. 53 or first reelsetting processing of FIG. 51) configured to associate the origin pulsesignal and an arrangement position of the symbols 501 with each other inaccordance with a correction pulse value based on the position pulsesignal; and a reel drive control means (a main PCB110 of FIG. 54)configured to control the reel drive mechanism M5 so as to rearrange thesymbols 501 in a predetermined arrangement state based on the originpulse signal, the correction pulse value, a phase difference pulsevalue, and the arrangement position of the symbols 501.

In this manner, the slot machine 10 is capable of reducing a work loadrequired for arrangement more remarkably than in a case of arrangingsymbols 501 while positioning them relative to a predetermined position(an origin position) of the reel M3, in a case of performing a work ofarranging the symbols 501 on the outer circumferential face of the reelM3.

(Malfunction Sensing)

Further, the slot machine 10 of the second embodiment is capable ofsensing a malfunction of a reel angle detecting mechanism M2.Hereinafter, a detailed description thereof will be described withreference to FIG. 57 to FIG. 59.

Check pulse value acquisition processing of FIG. 58 and third reelsetting processing of FIG. 59 are executed. In the check pulse valueacquisition processing of FIG. 58, it is determined whether or not areel setting command has been executed (S401). In a case where the reelsetting command has not been executed (S401, NO), this processingoperation is completed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 53, if thereel setting device 635 is connected to the slot machine 10 to enabledata communication therewith, it is determined that the reel settingcommand has been executed by sensing this connection (S401, YES).

Next, an operator makes key operation from the reel setting device 635,whereby it is determined whether a data signal of a reel number has beenreceived from the reel setting device 635 (S402). In a case where nodata signal has been received (S402, NO), a standby state is establishedby executing S402 again. On the other hand, in a case where the datasignal of the reel number has been received (S402, YES), each of thefirst to fifth reel units M11 a to M11 e that correspond to the reelnumber is targeted to be set and then the following processing operationis executed.

First, an input of an encoder signal has been accepted (S403). Then, itis determined whether or not a reel origin signal has been input from anorigin sensor M671 of FIG. 21 (S404). In a case where no reel originsignal has been input (S404, NO), a standby state is established byexecuting S404 again. On the other hand, if an origin sensor M671 ofFIG. 21 detects a cutout portion M921 of FIG. 25, whereby it isdetermined that a reel origin signal has been input (S404, YES), a checkpulse value is reset to “0” (S405). After that, an acquisitioncompletion flag of the check pulse value is set to OFF (S406).

Next, it is determined whether or not a position pulse signal has beeninput (S407). In a case where no position pulse signal has been input(S407, NO), it is subsequently determined whether or not an origin pulsesignal has been input (S411). In a case where no origin pulse signal hasbeen input (S411, NO), S407 is executed again and then acceptance of aninput of the positional pulse signal is continued. In a case where theposition pulse signal has been input (S407, YES), it is subsequentlydetermined whether or not a rotation direction of a reel M3 is a forwardrotation based on a phase difference pulse signal (S408). In a casewhere the rotation direction is a forward rotation (S408, YES), thecheck pulse value is counted up by “1” (S409) and then it is determinedwhether or not the origin pulse signal has been input (S410). On theother hand, in a case where the rotation direction is not a forwardrotation (S408, NO), the check pulse value is counted down by “1” (S410)and then it is determined whether or not the origin pulse signal hasbeen input (S411). If the origin pulse signal has been input (S411,YES), a correction pulse value having been counted up or counted down isstored together with the reel number (S412).

In addition, in the third reel setting processing of FIG. 59, after anorigin pulse signal has been input (S311, YES), a standby state isestablished until a check pulse value is acquired by checking anacquisition completion flag (S314). In this manner, the check pulsevalue can be acquired during a work of acquiring a correction pulsevalue. Other steps are identical to those of the first reel settingprocessing in FIG. 51.

After the check pulse value has been acquired as described above, it isdetermined whether or not a relationship between an origin position of areel M3 and an origin pulse signal (a total value of position pulsesignals) coincides with the acquired check pulse value during operationof the slot machine 10. If the relationship coincides with the value, itis determined to be normal, and if not, it is determined to be abnormal,whereby a malfunction of the reel angle detecting mechanism M2 issensed.

As described above, the slot machine 10 of the second embodiment, asshown in FIG. 57, includes: a reel M3 having symbols 501 on an outercircumferential face; a reel drive mechanism M5 configured to rearrangethe symbols 501 by rotationally driving the reel M3; a reel angledetecting mechanism M2 configured to output a position pulse signal inunits of predetermined angles by means of rotation of the reel M3 and tooutput an origin pulse signal every one rotation of the reel M3; a reelsetting means (a reel setting portion 632 of FIG. 53 or third settingprocessing of FIG. 59) configured to associate the origin pulse signaland an arrangement position of the symbols 501 with each other inaccordance with a correction pulse value based on the position pulsesignal; a reel drive control means (a main PCB 110 of FIG. 54)configured to control the reel drive mechanism M5 so as to rearrange thesymbols 501 in a predetermined arrangement state based on the originpulse signal, the correction pulse value, a phase difference pulsesignal, and the arrangement position of the symbols 501; a reel origindetecting mechanism (an origin sensor 671 of FIG. 21 or a cutout portionM921 of FIG. 25) configured to detect an origin position of the reel M3;and a malfunction sensing means (such as the main PCB 110) for sensing amalfunction of the reel angle detecting mechanism based on arelationship between the origin position of the reel M3 and the originpulse signal. In this manner, the slot machine 10 is capable ofpreventing an occurrence of a failure that the reel drive control meanscannot rearrange the symbols 501 in a predetermined arrangement state,by sensing a malfunction of the reel angle detecting mechanism M2.

(Reel Rendering by Backlight Device M7)

In addition, the slot machine 10 of the first and second embodiments isconfigured to be able to individually control a plurality ofillumination light sources M71 in a backlight device M7.

Specifically, the slot machine 10 has: a reel M3 including a reel bandM32 that is formed to enable transmission of illumination light, thereel having symbols 501 arranged on the reel band M32; a reel drivemechanism M5 configured to rearrange the symbols 501 by rotationallydriving the reel M3; a back light device M7 that is arranged to emitillumination light in a direction of the reel band M32 from an innercircumferential side of the reel M3 so that the illumination lighthaving transmitted the reel band M32 is visually recognized from theoutside; and a backlight control device (a main PCB 110 of FIG. 54)configured to control an emission mode (such as light quantity, emissionintervals, or emission timing) of the illumination light that is emittedfrom the backlight device M7. The backlight device M7 has a plurality ofillumination light sources M71 that is arranged in a widthwise directionand in a longitudinal direction of the reel band M32 and that is capableof changing a light quantity when the illumination light is emitted, ina plurality of steps. The backlight control device is capable ofindividually controlling the plurality of illumination light sourcesM71.

In this manner, the slot machine 10 is capable of individuallycontrolling the emission mode of illumination light in each lightsource, so that a rendering effect and a degree of freedom in renderingat the time of rotation of the reel M3 or at the time of rearrangementof the symbols 501 can be enhanced with the use of the illuminationlight.

More specifically, the backlight control device is capable ofindividually controlling a plurality of illumination light sources M71so as to enter an emission mode of illumination light together withrotation of the reel M3. In this manner, the slot machine 10 can enhancethe degree of freedom in rendering when the reel M3 is rotated, byentering the emission mode of the illumination light together withrotation of the reel M3.

For example, when the reel M3 is rotated, when a bonus symbol appears ina display window 150, the plurality of illumination light sources M71are individually controlled to be able to light the illumination lightsources M71 corresponding to a reel on which such a bonus symbol hasappeared in the display window 150. By doing this, a player can clearlyvisually recognize a position of the bonus symbol in a state in whichthe reel M3 is rotating.

In addition, the backlight control device controls the plurality ofillumination light sources M71 so as to increase or decrease a lightquantity in stepwise manner from the inside to the outside in thewidthwise direction and in the longitudinal direction of the reel bandM32. In this manner, the slot machine 10 can impart a gradation-likerendering effect to a symbol 501 or a reel band M32 having transmittedillumination light by means of stepwise increase or decrease of thelight quantity.

Further, the backlight control device controls an emission mode of aplurality of illumination light source M71 in accordance with therotation direction of the reel M3. In this manner, a rendering effectrelative to the rotation direction of the reel M3 can be imparted.

Furthermore, the backlight control device controls the plurality ofillumination light sources M71 so as to change the increase or decreaseposition of the light quantity in the same direction or in the oppositedirection relative to the rotation direction of the reel M3. In thismanner, the slot machine 10 can impart a rendering effect relative tothe rotation direction of the reel M3.

Still furthermore, the backlight control device controls the pluralityof illumination light sources M71 so as to interlock a change speed ofthe increase or decrease position of the light source relative to therotation speed of the reel M3. In this manner, the slot machine 10 canimpart a rendering effect relative to the rotation speed of the reel M3.

Moreover, the backlight control device controls an emission mode of theplurality of illumination light sources in accordance with a combinationestablished when the symbols 501 have been rearranged. In this manner,the slot machine 10 can impart a rendering effect relative to thecombination established when the symbols 501 have been rearranged.

A control operation by means of the backlight control device describedabove can be easily achieved by storing mode data in an illuminationmode setting table of FIG. 60. That is, the illumination mode settingtable has the respective reel operation items such as “reel forwardrotation”, “reel backward rotation”, “reel rotation speed”, “reelrotation stop”, “bonus hit”, “common game hit”, “losing”, “li-zhi”,“winning common game”, and “losing common game”.

The “li-zhi” used here designates a state immediately before symbols 501are rearranged in a unit game, thereby establishing a winningcombination. For example, in a case where a plurality of symbols 501 arerearranged in sequential order, a state of a period a last symbol isrearranged is an “intermediately preceding state”.

In addition, the respective reel operation items described above areassociated with the respective operation items of “gradation”,“blinking”, “light quantity”, and “movement”. The “gradation” can be setat either one of two types, i.e., “active (1)” and “inactive (0)”. Forexample, the “reel forward rotation” is set at “active (1)”. The “reelbackward rotation” is set at “inactive (0)”. In this manner, when thereel M3 rotates in a forward direction, the backlight device M7 performsrendering of symbols 501 in an illumination mode of gradation. On theother hand, when the reel M3 rotates in a backward direction, theillumination mode of gradation is not established.

The “blinking” enables blinking intervals to be set in six steps of 0 to5. In a case where the blinking interval is set to “0”, it designatesthat lighting continues without blinking. In a case where the blinkinginterval is set to “1”, the blinking interval is the longest and thenthe blinking interval becomes shorter in sequential order of “2” to “5”.For example, the “reel forward rotation” is set to “3”. The “reelbackward rotation” is set to “1”. In this manner, when the reel M3rotates in a forward direction, the backlight device M7 blinks atcomparatively short intervals. On the other hand, when the reel M3rotates in a backward direction, blinking occurs at long intervals.

The “light quantity” enables a light quantity level to be set in a rangeof “5” to “16”. That is, if the light quantity level can be adjusted in16 steps ranging from “1”, which is close to level 0, to a maximum level“16”, the level can be adjusted in a range “5” or more. This processingis adapted to illuminate symbols 501 sufficiently at a light quantitylevel of “5” or more, and however, the level may be adjustable at “0” ormore. For example, the “reel forward rotation” is set to “13”. The “reelbackward rotation” is set to “10”. In this manner, when the reel M3rotates in a forward direction, the symbols 501 is illuminated brighterthan when the reel M3 rotates in a backward direction.

The “movement” can be set in any one of three types of “active (1)”,“inactive (0)”, and “moving together (2)”. For example, the “reelforward rotation” is set at “active (1)”, the “reel backward rotation”is set at “inactive (0)”, and the “reel rotation speed” is set at“moving together (2)”. In this manner, when the reel M3 rotates in aforward direction, an illumination moves in any direction together witha reel rotation speed, and when the reel M3 rotates in a backwarddirection, an illumination is fixed.

(Reel Rendering by Rendering Light Emitting Device M8)

In addition, the slot machine 10 of the first and second embodiments isconfigured to be able to individually control a plurality of renderinglight sources M81 in a rendering light emitting device M8.

Specifically, the slot machine 10 has a reel device M1 including: a reelM3 having symbols 501 arranged on an outer circumferential face; a reeldrive mechanism M5 configured to rearrange the symbols 501 byrotationally driving the reel M3; and a rendering light emitting deviceM8 that is arranged lateral of the reel M3 and is configured to emit aplurality of rendering light beams to be visually recognizable from theoutside, and has a reel rendering control device (a main PCB 110 of FIG.54) configured to control an emission mode (such as light quantity,color, emission intervals, or emission timing) of the rendering lightbeams that are emitted from the reel device M1. In addition, therendering light emitting device M8 has a plurality of rendering lightsources M81 that is arranged in plurality at least along a longitudinaldirection of a reel band M32 and is capable of changing the lightquantity when the rendering light beams are emitted, in a plurality ofsteps; and the reel rendering control device is capable of individuallycontrolling the plurality of rendering light sources M81 so as toestablish an emission mode of the rendering light beams together withrotation of the reel M3.

In this manner, the slot machine 10 is capable of individuallycontrolling an emission mode of the rendering light beams in each lightsource, so that a rendering effect and a degree of freedom in renderingat the time of rotation of reel M3 or at the time of rearrangement ofthe symbols 501 can be enhanced with the use of rendering light beams.

In addition, the reel rendering control device controls an emission modeof the plurality of rendering light sources M81 in accordance withrotation of the reel M3. In this manner, the slot machine 10 can imparta rendering effect relative to rotation of the reel M3.

Further, the reel rendering control device controls the plurality ofrendering light sources M81 so as to change an increase or decreaseposition of the light quantity in the same direction or in the oppositedirection relative to the rotation direction of the reel M3. In thismanner, the slot machine 10 can impart a rendering effect relative torotation of the reel M3.

Furthermore, the reel rendering control device controls the plurality ofrendering light sources M81 so as to interlock a change speed of theincrease or decrease position of the light quantity relative to arotation speed of the reel M3. In this manner, the slot machine 10 canimpart a rendering effect relative to the rotation speed of the reel M3.

Moreover, the reel rendering control device controls the plurality ofrendering light sources M81 in accordance with a combination establishedwhen the symbols 501 have been arranged. In this manner, the slotmachine 10 can impart a rendering effect relative to the combinationestablished when the symbols 501 has been rearranged.

A control operation by means of the reel rendering control devicedescribed above can be easily achieved by means of a rendering modesetting table obtained by excluding “gradation” from an illuminationmode setting table of FIG. 60. The respective items contained in thetable are identical to those contained in the illumination mode settingtable of FIG. 60.

(Luminance Adjustment of Backlight Device M7)

In addition, the slot machine 10 of the first and second embodiment isconfigured to be able to adjust luminance of a plurality of illuminationlight sources M71 in a backlight device M7. The slot machine 10 may beconfigured to be able to adjust luminance of a plurality of renderinglight sources M81 in a rendering light emitting device M8, and can beprovided in the same method as luminance adjustment of the backlightdevice M7.

Specifically, in the slot machine 10, as shown in FIG. 61, a touch panelis provided on an upper image display panel 131. The upper image displaypanel 131 is capable of displaying a backlight luminance adjustmentscreen. The backlight luminance adjustment screen may be displayable bymeans of operations of both of a player and a manager or may bedisplayable by means of operation of only a manager. A display caused bythe operation of only the manager includes an operating method from an“AUDIT menu”.

The backlight luminance adjustment screen has a luminance adjustmentbutton region 1311 and a reel selection button region 1312. Theluminance adjustment button region 1311 includes a plurality of, forexample, three luminance adjustment buttons 1311 a, 1311 b, and 1311 c.These luminance adjustment buttons 1311 a, 1311 b, and 1311 c enableluminance to be adjusted in a plurality of, for example, three steps.

On the other hand, the reel selection button region 1312 has five reelselection buttons 1312 a to 1312 e. These reel selection buttons 1312 ato 1312 e are respectively capable of selecting the first to fifth reelunits M11 a to M11 e.

Luminance adjustment of the backlight device M7 is achieved by means ofa backlight luminance adjustment processing routine of FIG. 62.Specifically, while a game is executed or is stopped, the backlightluminance adjustment processing routine is periodically executed as oneroutine. When the backlight luminance adjustment processing routine isexecuted, it is first determined whether or not a backlight luminanceadjustment mode is established (S701). In a case where the backlightluminance adjustment mode is not established (S701, NO), this routine iscompleted. On the other hand, when a backlight luminance adjustmentbutton is pressed on a mode selection screen of the upper image displaypanel 131, it is determined that the backlight luminance adjustment modeis established (S701, YES). Then, a backlight luminance adjustmentscreen is displayed on the upper image display panel 131 in place of themode selection screen (S702).

Next, reel selection processing is executed (S703). For example, asshown in FIG. 61, when the reel selection buttons 1312 a to 1312 e inthe reel selection button region 1312 have been pressed, the pressedreel selection buttons 1312 a to 1312 e change in color. Then, thebacklight device M7 of the first to fifth reel units M11 a to M11 e thatcorrespond to arrangements of the reel selection buttons 1312 a to 1312e are highlighted to have been selected as a target for luminanceadjustment. In addition, when the reel selection button 1312 a to 1312 etargeted for luminance adjustment are further pressed, they are revertedto a state before color change so as to become out of the target forluminance adjustment. By repeating such a press operation, one or moreof the reel selection buttons 1312 a to 1312 e (the first to fifth reelunits M11 a to M11 e) are determined.

After that, when any of the luminance adjustment buttons 1311 a, 1311 b,1311 c in the luminance adjustment button region 1311 is pressed, abacklight device M7 of any of the first to fifth reel units M11 a to M11e that is selected as a target for luminance adjustment emitsillumination light at a luminance corresponding to any of the luminanceadjustment buttons 1311 a, 1311 b, and 1311 c (S704). In this manner,the luminance of illumination light is adjusted in all or in sequentialorder while it is visually checked as to the backlight device M7 of eachof the first to fifth reel units M11 a to M11 e.

Next, it is determined whether or not adjustment has completed (S705).At this time, determination of the completion of adjustment is made bydetermining whether or not a press operation has been made over apredetermined period of time or more or by determining whether or not anadjustment completion button has been pressed, although not shown. In acase where no adjustment has completed (S705, NO), S703 and subsequentsteps are executed again. On the other hand, in a case where theadjustment has completed (S705, YES), a backlight luminance adjustmentscreen is cleared and then a variety of screens such as a mode selectionscreen or a demonstration screen, for example, are displayed (S706).Then this routine is completed.

(Pay Line Rendering)

In addition, the slot machine 10 of the first and second embodiments, asshown in FIG. 63, is configured to be able to display a pay line L onthe upper image display panel 131. The pay line on the upper imagedisplay panel 131 is displayed when a current screen has been changed toa pay line display screen.

The pay line display screen is provided in the same mode as that of apay line L in a display window 150 that is disposed on a front face of areel device M1. Specifically, pay line generation columns 1313 and 1314are disposed transversely symmetrically. Among them, a pat linegeneration column 1313 at a left end part displayed on the left sideviewed from a player side has 25 pay line generating portions 1313 a. Inaddition, a pay line generation column 1314 at a right end part disposedat the right side has 25 pay line generating portion 1314 a. The payline L is activated by connecting the pay line generating portions 1313a and 1314 a at the left end part and at the right end part to eachother.

The pay line display screen is displayed when a combination of therearranged symbols 501 forms a winning prize. For example, in a casewhere a winning prize is established by a combination of “PLUM” symbols501, the “PLUM” symbols 501 of the winning combination is rendered as awining prize in accordance with luminance or color and a blinking statethat is different from that at another site by means of illuminationlight of the backlight device M7. Then, on the pay line screen, pay linerendering is performed by linking with winning rendering exerted by thebacklight device M7. The “link” used here designates that the pay linerendering is associated with the winning rendering exerted by thebacklight device M7.

Specifically, simulation winning symbols 1315 are displayed in the samearrangement mode as that of a winning combination. A pay line L isdisplayed on these simulation winning symbols 1315. Subsequently, forexample, as shown in FIG. 64, in a case where the winning renderingexerted by the backlight device M7 is rendering of repeating anoperation of highlighting the respective symbols 501 in sequentialorder, pay line rendering allowing the simulation winning symbols 1315to be highlighted in sequential order with the same timing as that ofthe winning rendering is executed.

Third Embodiment

The first embodiment described above shows a gaming machine thatachieves reel control in an analog manner. In addition, the secondembodiment showed a gaming machine that achieves reel control in adigital manner. The third embodiment describes a variety of modesrelating to rotation control and stop control of five reels of a firstreel M3 a, a second reel M3 b, a third reel M3 c, a fourth reel M3 d,and a fifth reel M3 e of the gaming machine of the first embodiment andthe second embodiment. Therefore, the third embodiment can be applied toboth of the gaming machine that achieves reel control in an analogmanner (the first embodiment and the gaming machine that achieves reelcontrol in a digital manner (the second embodiment). Therefore, amechanical structure or hardware configuration of a gaming machine inthe third embodiment is identical to that in the first embodiment or thesecond embodiment. Program for executing processing operations shown inflowcharts shown in FIG. 66 to FIG. 80 described later are stored inadvance in a ROM 72 (FIG. 38) of the gaming machine of the firstembodiment or the second embodiment, and values such as variablesrequired when the programs have been executed are stored in a RAM 73(FIG. 38).

In the third embodiment, a reel M3 of a first reel unit M11 a isreferred to as a first reel M3 a; a reel M3 of a second reel unit M11 bis referred to as a second reel M3 b; a reel M3 of a third reel unit M11c is referred to as a third reel M3 c; a reel M3 of a fourth reel unitM11 d is referred to as a fourth reel M3 d; and a reel M3 of a fifthreel unit M11 e is referred to as a fifth reel M3 e. In addition, in thefollowing description, a reel M3 is merely referred to as in a casewhere there is no need to discriminate these five reels in particular.

In the third embodiment, symbols are all symbols that are used in agaming machine 300, and these symbols are displayed to be visuallyrecognizable to a player in the five reels of the first reel M3 a, thesecond reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and thefifth reel M3 e. The symbols include scatter symbols. The scattersymbols are symbols whose condition for establishing a winning prize isthat these symbols have been rearranged regardless of a winning line (apay line). In particular, it is preferable that the condition forestablishing a winning prize be that a predetermined number of scattersymbols have been rearranged.

An outline of the gaming machine according to the third embodiment is:rendering to be configured presuming post-li-zhi; randomly selectingindividual renderings of six kinds to be described later; providing dataso as to frame-feeding and moving symbols; enabling individual reels tobe frame-fed and reversely rotated respectively independently; andproviding a speed controller for a respective one of the reels.

In addition, a start button is provided, whereas a stop button does notexist in principle. This is because there exists a gaming machine suchthat a stop button is activated for some of the reels, although the stopbutton is not activated for all of the reels, in only a given game stateas well. In addition, in the gaming machine according to the embodiment,symbol arrangement is randomly determined and then a prize is determineddepending on the determined symbol arrangement, and the determinedsymbols are arranged as rearranged symbols. Therefore, a winningcombination or a losing combination is first determined by means oflottery processing in a main control board and then according to atiming of a player operation, the contents of control are different fromthose in a gaming machine adapted to determine a reel stop position soas not to be discrepant from a lottery result. That is, the gamingmachine according to the embodiment is different from the one in whichsymbol arrangement is determined according to a timing of a playeroperation after an internal flag of a given winning combination has beenestablished.

FIG. 65 shows an outline of the gaming machine according to the thirdembodiment. The gaming machine according to the third embodiment isdirected to a gaming machine adapted to execute a unit game in which aprize is determined based on rearranged symbols, and includes: a display(such as the display window 150 described above, for example) having adisplay region configured to display symbols associated with each of aplurality of scroll lines (such as the five reels Mia to M3 e describedabove, for example); and a controller (such as the CPU 71 describedabove, for example) for controlling a unit game in which the symbolsassociated with the scroll line are moved and then rearranged in thedisplay region, the controller programmed to execute processingoperations of:

(1-1-1) randomly determining rearranged symbols (such as the step S8described above, for example);

(1-1-2) displaying the symbols associated with the scroll line in thedisplay region so as to move in a first mode along the scroll line (suchas step S6613 and step S6617 to be described later, for example);

(1-1-3) stopping the symbols associated with at least one scroll linefrom among the plurality of scroll lines and then displaying the stoppedsymbols in the display region (such as step S6727 to be described later,for example);

(1-1-4) as triggered by the fact that a li-zhi has been established bythe symbols displayed in a stopped state in accordance with theprocessing operation (1-1-3), displaying symbols associated with atleast one scroll line from among scroll lines corresponding to movingsymbols so as to move in a second mode that is different from the firstmode (such as steps S6719 and S6725 to be described later, for example);and

(1-1-5) automatically stopping the symbols associated with at least onescroll line from among the plurality of scroll lines and thenrearranging the symbols determined in accordance with the processingoperation (1-1-1) (such as step S11 described above and step S6727 to bedescribed later, for example).

The gaming machine according to the third embodiment has a display and acontroller. The display has a display region on which symbols are to bedisplayed. A result of a unit game that is executed in the gamingmachine is determined depending on rearranged symbols. The unit game isa game whose one cycle is that symbols to be rearranged are randomlydetermined, symbol movement is started, and then the symbols arerearranged.

The display region of the display is equivalent to an opening or awindow in which symbols are formed to be visually recognizable on afront face of a casing in which reels have been arranged. In addition,in the case of video reels or the like, this display region isequivalent to a display surface of a display panel configured to displayan image of the video reels.

It is preferable that the gaming machine have a start button that aplayer can operate. Based on the fact that the controller has received asignal indicating that the player has operated the start button, it ispreferable that the controller randomly determine symbols to berearranged and then control symbol display in the display region.

In addition, it is preferable that the plurality of scroll linesdescribed above be formed in parallel to each other in the displayregion. For example, one reel formed in a cylindrical shape correspondsto one scroll line. In addition, an image of one reel formed in thecylindrical shape (so called one video reel) corresponds to one scrollline. In this way, the scroll lines in the gaming machine according tothe third embodiment may be the one along which symbols can move, may bea mechanically formed reel or may be a reel displayed as an image.

Further, it is preferable that the first mode be that symbols move in afirst direction at a predetermined speed along a scroll line with whichthe symbols have been associated. It is preferable that the first modebe a normal symbol movement mode in the gaming machine. For example, itis preferable that the first mode be a symbol movement mode (a referencemode) when a basic game is performed in a normal play state.

A word “li-zhi” designates a state immediately before a winning prizecan be determined by means of visual recognition after at least somesymbols have been displayed in a stopped state. The word “li-zhi” alsodesignates a state in which symbols are moving on a scroll line to belastly stopped when a winning prize can be determined by means of visualrecognition. For example, in a case where five scroll lines exist and awinning condition is that five predetermined symbols are displayed in astopped state, a li-zhi is established when symbols associated with twoscroll lines are stopped and then four predetermined symbols aredisplayed in a stopped state. In addition, even if three scroll lines ofmoving symbols exist, a li-zhi may be occasionally established inaccordance with a winning condition. Therefore, a li-zhi is not onlyestablished in a case where a plurality of, for example, five scrolllines (for example, reels) exist, when four reels stop, but a li-zhi maybe occasionally established at a time point when one to three reels havestopped, depending on a winning condition.

The first mode indicates a symbol movement mode, and may be able tospecify a symbol movement direction, a speed, a degree of acceleration,a time interval to take until symbols stop, the number of times intemporary stop, a time interval, a direction when symbols move again, aspeed, a degree of acceleration, a time interval to take until symbolsstop next, and a final stop or the like. In particular, it is preferablethat the first mode be a reference mode. That is, when a normal unitgame is performed, it is preferable to display symbols in the firstmode.

Similarly, the second mode also indicates a symbol movement mode, andmay be able to specify a symbol movement direction, a speed, a degree ofacceleration, or a stop and the like. The second mode is different fromthe first mode. This difference between the two modes is established ifany one item is different from among the symbol movement direction, thespeed, the degree of acceleration, and the stop, which specify the mode.For example, there may be a case in which a reel rotation speed isdifferentiated or a rotation direction is opposed.

The processing operation of (1-1-1) is to randomly determine symbols tobe rearranged. For example, random numbers are generated and thensymbols are determined by means of lottery processing or the like. Thisprocessing operation is a processing operation of determining symbols tobe rearranged, and the contents of rendering are not determined in thisprocessing operation. Therefore, in the processing operation of (1-1-1),only symbols to be rearranged are determined, and the contents ofrendering are not determined.

The processing operation of (1-1-2) is to display symbols associatedwith a scroll line in a display region so as to move along the scrollline in the first mode. The symbols are associated with each of aplurality of scroll lines. For example, symbols assigned to a reel areassociated with the reel. Symbols of same kind may be associated withdifferent scroll lines. For example, a symbol “7” may be associated witha first scroll line (a first reel) or a second scroll line (a secondreel). In addition, it is preferable that a plurality of symbols beassociated with each of the scroll lines in predetermined sequentialorder. For example, the plurality of symbols assigned on a reel arearranged to be associated with the reel in predetermined sequentialorder. Therefore, the symbols move in predetermined sequential orderalong the scroll line.

The processing operation of (1-1-3) is to stop symbols associated withat least one scroll line from among a plurality of scroll lines and thendisplay the stopped symbols in a display region. A scroll line forstopping symbols may be at least one scroll line.

The processing operation of (1-1-4) is a processing operation to be madewhen a li-zhi has been established in accordance with the symbols thathave been displayed in a stopped state in accordance with the processingoperation of (1-1-3). There is also a case in which the li-zhi is notestablished in accordance with the processing operation of (1-1-3). Inthis case, the processing operation of (1-1-4) is not executed. Astriggered by the fact that the li-zhi has been established in accordancewith the symbols that have been displayed in a stopped state, symbolsassociated with at least one scroll line from among scroll lines onwhich symbols are still moving are displayed in a display region so asto move in the second mode that is different from the first mode.

The processing operation of (1-1-5) is to automatically stop andrearrange symbols on at least one scroll line from among a plurality ofscroll lines after symbol movement has been started. A unit game iscompleted by rearrangement of symbols. As described above, in principle,the symbols that have been determined in the processing operation of(1-1-1) are automatically stopped and rearranged without a playeroperation. In addition, even if symbols are displayed in a stopped stateby means of a player operation, such symbols are displayed as to some ofthe plurality of scroll lines, and the symbols that have been determinedin the processing operation of (1-1-1) are automatically stopped as tothe remaining scroll lines without a player operation.

In this manner, in the gaming machine according to the embodiment, inprinciple, a player operation is not intervened; and therefore, symbolarrangement itself is randomly determined in the processing operation of(1-1-1) and then a prize is determined in accordance with the determinedsymbols, and the symbols that have been determined in the processingoperation of (1-1-1) can be rearranged.

After a li-zhi has been established in a unit game, symbols aredisplayed while the first mode is changed to the second mode, to thusable to prompt a player to concentrate his or her consciousness to theunit game that attracts the player's interest.

After a li-zhi has been established, symbols are displayed while thefirst mode is changed to the second mode, thus enabling a player tovisually recognize moving symbols. The player is likely to have a highinterest in symbols to be rearranged after the li-zhi has beenestablished to indicate a high possibility that a winning prize will beobtained. Thus, the player can watch an outcome of symbols withoutkeeping his or her eye off from the symbols in which the player has sucha high interest.

In this way, on the presupposition that the li-zhi has been established,a symbol action occurs as the second mode. However, as described later,in symbol actions in accordance with the first to fifth display controlprocessing operations, after it is determined that the li-zhi has beenestablished, in accordance with a prepared action program, displaycontrol of symbols that are still moving is performed by means ofprogram-change from a program for the first mode (a normal reel rotationprogram).

As control processing, while the number of scroll lines (the number ofreels) is defined as N, at a stage when the number of scroll lines onwhich symbols have been stopped becomes N-n, it is determined that ali-zhi has been established with reference to a li-zhi determinationtable. This li-zhi determination table is a table in which a combinationbetween a symbol arrangement coordinate and a prize has been associatedwith another. In a case where a pattern in which symbols are stopped israndom (that is, symbols do not always stop in sequential order from theleft), it is determined which symbols are still moving (which reels arerotating), a li-zhi determination table is extracted, and then adetermination is made in accordance with the extracted table.

In addition, at a stage when a li-zhi has been determined, a li-zhiaction on a plurality of scroll lines (a plurality of reels) is randomlyselected with the use of random numbers. That is, a symbol action inaccordance with the first to fifth display control processing operationsto be described later is randomly selected with the use of randomnumbers when a li-zhi has been determined (refer to step S6725 of FIG.67). In this way, a processing operation of randomly determining symbolarrangement and a processing operation of determining a li-zhi actionare individually performed. Thus, there is a difference from determiningwhether or not to take a li-zhi action together with lottery processingfor winning combination. In the embodiment, as to the li-zhi action, ina case where it is determined that a li-zhi has been established, afalse rendering (a so called simulation) does not exist, and if such ali-zhi has been established, any li-zhi action is selected.

In addition, it is preferable that the processing operation of (1-1-4)include processing operations of:

(1-2-1) determining whether or not a li-zhi has been established bymeans of symbols having been displayed in a stopped state every time thesymbols associated with one scroll lines from among the plurality ofscroll lines are stopped (such as step S6719 to be described later, forexample);

(1-2-2) displaying in the display region the symbols associated with ascroll line on which symbols are moving, from among the plurality ofscroll lines, so as to move in the second mode (such as steps S6725 andS6727 to be described later, for example); and

(1-2-3) executing the processing operation of (1-2-2) when it isdetermined that the li-zhi has been established in accordance with theprocessing operation of (1-2-1) (such as steps S6719 and S6725 to bedescribed later, for example).

The processing operation of (1-2-1) is a processing operation ofdetermining whether or not a li-zhi has been established by means ofsymbols having been displayed in a stopped state every time the symbolsstop.

The processing operation of (1-2-2) is a processing operation ofdisplaying symbols associated with a scroll line on the symbols aremoving in the second mode.

The processing operation of (1-2-3) is a processing operation ofdisplaying symbols so as to move in the second mode when it isdetermined that the li-zhi has been established in accordance with theprocessing operation of (1-2-1).

By doing this, symbols can be displayed so as to move in the second modeonly in a case where a li-zhi has been actually established, and asuitable processing operation can be determined and executed as requiredin accordance with the process of a unit game.

Further, it is preferable that the second mode include a plurality ofpost-li-zhi mode for defining a symbol movement mode after a li-zhi hasbeen established, and the processing operation of (1-2-3) include aprocessing operation of (1-3-1) determining one post-li-zhi mode that israndomly selected from the plurality of post-li-zhi modes as the secondmode (such as steps S6725 and S6727 to be described later, for example).

The second mode includes a plurality of post-li-zhi modes. Each of theplurality of post-li-zhi modes is a symbol movement mode after a li-zhihas been established. The processing operation of (1-3-1) is to randomlyselect one post-li-zhi mode from among a plurality of post-li-zhi modesand then determine the selected post-li-zhi mode as the second mode.

The processing operation of (1-3-1) is executed separately from theprocessing operation (1-1-1) described above. That is, a processingoperation of selecting one post-li-zhi mode is made separately from aprocessing operation of determining symbols to be rearranged. By doingthis, only a processing operation having been required in accordancewith the progress of a unit game can be executed. In this manner, unitgame processing can be performed speedily and simply.

In addition, the processing operations of (1-1-1) and (1-3-1) describedabove are executed by means of a common controller. That is, both of theprocessing operations of (1-1-1) and (1-3-1) are executed by means of asame controller. By doing this, a configuration of the gaming machinecan be simplified.

<<Outline of First Display Control Processing>>

It is preferable that the processing operation of displaying symbols soas to move in the second mode have processing operations of:

(1-4-1) displaying the symbols in the display region to move by apredetermined distance (such as step S6815 to be described later, forexample);

(1-4-2) subsequent to the processing operation of (1-4-1), stopping thesymbols for a predetermined period of time and then displaying thestopped symbols in the display region (such as steps S6811 and S6813 tobe described later, for example);

(1-4-3) executing the processing operations of (1-4-1) and (1-4-2) atleast once (such as step S6817 to be described later, for example); and

(1-4-4) subsequent to the processing operation of (1-4-3), stopping thedetermined symbols in the processing operation of (1-1-1) and thendisplaying the stopped symbols in the display region (such as step S6727to be described later, for example).

Symbols can be moved at a predetermined distance by executing theprocessing operations of (1-4-1) to (1-4-3) described above. Forexample, symbols can be moved gradually in a stepwise manner by apredetermined distance by repeatedly executing the processing operationsof (1-4-1) and (1-4-2) a plurality of times. Thus, by means of symbolmovement that is different from that in a normal mode (the first mode),it is possible to prompt a player to concentrate his or herconsciousness to a unit game that attracts the player's interest.

<<Outline of Second Display Control Processing>>

It is preferable that the processing operation of displaying symbols soas to move in the second mode have processing operations of:

(1-5-1) stopping the symbols and displaying the stopped symbols in thedisplay region (such as steps S6811 and S6919 to be described later, forexample);

(1-5-2) displaying the symbols in the display region so as to move in amode similar to the first mode (such as step S6915 to be describedlater, for example);

(1-5-3) executing the processing operations of (1-5-1) and (1-5-2) atleast once (such as step S6921 to be described later, for example); and

(1-5-4) after the processing operation of (1-5-3) has been executed,stopping the determined symbols in accordance with the processingoperation of (1-1-1) and then displaying the stopped symbols in thedisplay region (such as step S6727 to be described later, for example).

Stopping and moving of symbols (for example, re-spinning) can beexecuted by executing the processing operations of (1-5-1) to (1-5-3).For example, stopping and moving of symbols can be repeated byrepeatedly executing the processing operations of (1-5-1) to (1-5-3) aplurality of times, and symbols are moved differently from a normal mode(the first mode) to thereby able to attract a player's interest a unitgame.

<<Outline of Third Display Control Processing>>

It is preferable that the processing operation of displaying symbols soas to move in the second mode have processing operations of:

(1-6-1) displaying the symbols in the display region so as to move by apredetermined distance (such as step S7015 to be described later, forexample);

(1-6-2) subsequent to the processing operation of (1-6-1), stopping thesymbols for a predetermined period of time and then displaying thestopped symbols in the display region (such as steps S7011 and S7015 tobe described later, for example);

(1-6-3) executing the processing operations of (1-6-1) and (1-6-2) atleast once (such as step S7017 to be described later, for example);

(1-6-4) displaying the symbols in the display region so as to move in amode similar to the first mode (such as step S7021 to be describedlater, for example);

(1-6-5) executing the processing operations of (1-6-1) to (1-6-4) atleast once (such as step S7019 to be described later, for example); and

(1-6-6) after the processing operation of (1-6-5) has been executed,stopping the determined symbols in the processing operation of (1-1-1)and then displaying the stopped symbols in the display region (such asstep S6727 to be described later, for example).

In a case where the processing operations of (1-6-1) and (1-6-2) havebeen repeatedly executed, symbols can be moved gradually in a stepwisemanner by a predetermined distance. In addition, it is preferable thatthe processing operation of (1-6-4) be to display symbols in a displayregion so as to move at a distance that is longer than a predetermineddistance. By doing this, for example, after symbols have been moved at ashort distance, the symbols can be moved at a long distance. Forexample, in a case where the processing operations of (1-6-1) to (1-6-4)have been repeatedly executed, an operation of moving symbols graduallyin a stepwise manner by a predetermined distance and an operation ofmoving the symbols at a long distance can be repeatedly executed. Bydoing this, it is possible to prompt a player to concentrate his or herconsciousness to a unit game that attracts the player's interest.

<<Outline of Fourth Display Control Processing>>

It is preferable that the processing operation of displaying symbols soas to move in the second mode have processing operations of:

(1-7-1) stopping the symbols and then displaying the stopped symbols inthe display region (such as step S7111 to be described later, forexample);

(1-7-2) displaying the symbols in the display region so as to move in amode similar to the first mode (such as step S7115 to be describedlater, for example);

(1-7-3) displaying the symbols in the display region so as to move in adirection that is different from the one in the first mode (such as stepS7121 to be described later, for example);

(1-7-4) displaying the symbols in the display region so as to move at aspeed that is different from the one in the first mode (such as stepS7127 to be described later, for example);

(1-7-5) after the processing operation of (1-7-1) has been executed,executing any of the processing operations (1-7-2) to (1-7-4) (such assteps S7113 to S7129 to be described later, for example);

(1-7-6) executing the processing operation of (1-7-5) at least once(such as step S7131 to be described later, for example); and

(1-7-7) after the processing operation of (1-7-6) has been executed,stopping the determined symbols in the processing operation of (1-1-1)and then displaying the stopped symbols in the display region (such asstep S6727 to be described later, for example).

After symbols have been temporarily stopped by executing the processingoperations of (1-7-1) to (1-7-5), the symbols are displayed to move in amode similar to the first mode, move in a different direction, or moveat a different speed; and therefore, the symbols are moved differentlyfrom a normal mode (the first mode), thereby enabling a player to payhis per her attention to a unit game. There is also a possibility thatsymbols move in a different mode every time the symbols move, byrepeatedly executing the processing operations of (1-7-1) to (1-7-5), aplayer can be given a sense of expectation every time symbols move in adifferent mode.

<<Outline of Fifth Display Control Processing>>

It is preferable that the processing operation of displaying symbols soas to move in the second mode have processing operations of:

(1-8-1) displaying in the display region a predetermined symbol fromamong symbols associated with a first scroll line from among a pluralityof scroll lines on which symbols are moving and a symbol associated withthe predetermined symbol from among symbols associated with a secondscroll that is different from the first scroll line from among aplurality of scroll lines on symbols are moving in parallel to eachother (such as steps S7211 and S7213 to be described later, forexample);

(1-8-2) after the processing operations of (1-8-1) has been executed,displaying the predetermined symbol and the symbol associated with thepredetermined symbol so as to move at a speed that is different from aspeed in the first mode (such as step S7219 to be described later, forexample); and

(1-8-3) after the processing operation of (1-8-2) has been executed,stopping the determined symbols in the processing operation of (1-1-1)and then displaying the stopped symbols in the display region (such asstep S6727 to be described later, for example).

Symbols associated with each other can be displayed so as to move inparallel to each other, for example, so as to move in phase by executingthe processing operations of (1-8-1) and (1-8-2). For example,predetermined symbols “7” move in one column in a horizontal direction,thus enabling a player to have a sense of expectation that a result of aunit game may be advantageous.

<<Reel Rotation Start Processing>>

FIG. 66 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of reel rotation startprocessing to be invoked and executed in step S9 of FIG. 47 describedabove.

First, the CPU 71 determines whether or not to normally rotate reels(step S6611). Whether or not to normally rotate reels can be determinedin accordance with a result of lottery processing that performed aftergenerating random numbers.

When the CPU 71 determines that reels are normally rotated (YES), theCPU 71 selects a normal rotation mode (step S6613). This normal rotationis equivalent to a “first mode”. On the other hand, when the CPU 71determines that no reel is normally rotated (NO), the CPU 71 selects aspecial rotation mode (step S6615).

This special rotation mode includes a plurality of modes, and includessixth display control processing to twelfth display control processingto be described later. In the processing operation of step S6615, randomnumbers are generated and then from among these processing operations,one processing operation is selected as a special rotation mode. Thesixth to twelfth display control processing operations include thoserelating to rotation stop processing as well as those relating torotation start processing. For example, the sixth, eighth, ninth, tenth,and eleventh display control processing operations are processingoperations relating to rotation stop processing. In addition, the sixth,seventh, and twelfth display control processing operations areprocessing operations relating to rotation start processing. The sixthdisplay control processing is a processing operation including both ofrotation start processing and rotation stop processing.

All the contents of the special rotation modes including rotation startprocessing and rotation stop processing are defined in accordance with aprocessing operation of selecting a special rotation mode in step S6615.That is, all display modes required in a unit game can be defined whilereels start rotation after an operating button has been operated in theprocessing operation of step S4. By doing this, a unit game can becompleted without a need to execute a processing operation of defining adisplay mode partway of the unit game and then unit game processing canbe executed speedily and simply.

Next, the CPU 71 executes reel rotation processing in the selected modein step S6613 or S6615 (step S6617) and then completes this subroutine.

<<Reel Rotation Stop Processing>>

FIG. 67 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of reel rotation stopprocessing to be invoked and executed in step S11 of FIG. 47 describedabove.

First, the CPU 71 determines whether or not to normally stop reels (stepS6711). This determination processing is a processing operation ofrandomly determining whether or not to generate random numbers, normallystopping reels by means of lottery processing, and then determine aresult of the random determination.

When the CPU 71 determines that the reels are normally stopped (YES),the CPU 71 selects a normal stop mode (step S6713). This normal stopmode is equivalent to a “first mode”. On the other hand, when the CPU 71determines that no reels are normally stopped (NO), the CPU 71 causesthe routine to migrate to step S6717 to be described later.

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not a timing of stopping thereels is established (step S6717). When the CPU 71 determines that notiming of stopping the reels is established (NO), the CPU 71 causes theroutine to revert to step S6717.

When the CPU 71 determines that the timing of stopping the reels isestablished (YES), the CPU 71 determines whether or not a li-zhi hasbeen established based on symbols on a reel having already stopped (stepS6719). When the CPU 71 determines that the timing of stopping the reelsis not established (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to migrate tostep S6727. By doing this, the reels can be stopped in a normal stopmode or in a special stop mode.

Determination of whether or not the li-zhi has been established in stepS6719 can be made by means of only symbols having already stopped aslong as they are normal symbols. A predetermined winning combination hasbeen determined in accordance with the combination determinationprocessing of step S8 described above, so that whether or not the li-zhihas been established can be determined by comparing the symbols that arearranged along a winning line and the symbols forming a winningcombination. Therefore, as a result of the comparison, when one symbolis not determined from among the symbols forming a winning combination,it can be determined that a li-zhi has been established.

In contrast, in a case where scatter symbols have been employed, whetheror not a li-zhi has been established can be determined by counting thenumber of scatter symbols from the symbols on a reel having alreadystopped. With the use of code numbers of symbols on the reel havingalready stopped, the number of scatter symbols that have already beendisplayed in a stopped state (the number of symbols having already beenstopped) can be counted by referring to a data table shown in FIG. 42.As described above, in a case where the scatter symbols have beenemployed, it is determined whether or not a winning prize has beenestablished in accordance with the number of scatter symbols having beenrearranged. That is, a winning prize can be obtained when the number ofscatter symbols having been rearranged is greater than a predeterminednumber (the number of winning scatter symbols). In addition, the numberof scatter symbols to be displayed in a stopped state from now (thenumber of scatter symbols to be stopped) can be obtained from acombination that is determined in accordance with the determinationprocessing of step S8. The number of scatter symbols having been stoppedand the number of scatter symbols to be stopped, described above, can beobtained by referring to the data table shown in FIG. 42 with the use ofcode numbers indicating symbols. In this way, in the case of a unit gameusing scatter symbols, it can be determined whether or not a li-zhi hasbeen established from the number of scatter symbols having been stoppedand the number of scatter symbols to be stopped.

When the CPU 71 determines that the li-zhi has been established (YES),the CPU 71 determines whether or not the normal stop mode describedabove has been selected (step S6721). When the CPU 71 determines that nonormal stop mode has been selected (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routineto migrate to step S6727. By doing this, when a special stop mode hasalready been selected, it is possible to disable determination ofwhether or not li-zhi rendering is performed in the processing operationof the step S6723 described above. Li-zhi rendering is included in thespecial stop mode that is selected in the processing operation of thestep S6715 described above, whereby, even in a case where it isdetermined that li-zhi rendering is not performed in the determinationof step S6723, li-zhi rendering itself can be executed.

When the CPU 71 determines that the normal stop mode has been selected(YES), the CPU 71 determines whether or not to perform li-zhi rendering(step S6723). Whether or not li-zhi rendering is performed may bedetermined based on a result of lottery processing performed afterrandom numbers have been generated. When the CPU 71 determines that noli-zhi rendering is performed (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine tomigrate to step S6727 to be described later.

When the CPU 71 determines that li-zhi rendering is performed (YES), theCPU 71 selects a rendering mode (step S6725). This li-zhi rendering modeis equivalent to a “second mode”. The li-zhi rendering mode includes aplurality of modes, and includes the first to first display controlprocessing operations to be described later. In the processing operationof step S6725, random numbers are generated and then one processingoperation from these processing operations are selected as a li-zhirendering mode by means of lottery processing.

Next, the CPU 71 executes reel stop control in a selected mode (stepS6727). Reels are stopped in a variety of modes selected in the stepS6713 or S6725 described above.

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not reels have stopped (stepS6729). When the CPU 71 determines that no reels have stopped (NO), theCPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S6729. When the CPU 71determines that the reels have stopped (YES), the CPU 71 determineswhether or not all of the reels have stopped (step S6731).

When the CPU 71 determines that all of the reels have not stopped (NO),the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to the step S6717 describedabove. On the other hand, when the CPU 71 determines that all of thereels have stopped (YES), the CPU 71 completes this subroutine.

<<First Display Control Processing>>

FIG. 68 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of first display controlprocessing. This subroutine is selected in the processing operation ofstep S6725 in FIG. 67 and the selected subroutine is invoked andexecuted in step S6727.

The first display control processing is a processing operation relatingto stop control of a next reel after a li-zhi has established. That is,this control processing is a processing operation relating to control ofa reel targeted for next stop control (hereinafter, referred to as areel targeted for control) when a li-zhi has been established by meansof stop control of at least one reel from among a plurality of reels.

<Outline of First Display Control Processing>

After a li-zhi has been established, a reel targeted for control repeatsan action for the reel to move slowly, temporarily stop before a winningline on which a bonus symbol having already stopped is positioned, andthen advance frames on a one by one frame basis every 0.5 second.

In the first display control processing, a winning line is referred toas each of three lines extending horizontally at upper, middle, andlower stages (refer to FIG. 81 (a) to FIG. 81 (b-6)). In addition, inFIG. 81 (a) to FIG. 81 (b-6), a first reel M3 a, a second reel M3 b, athird reel M3 c, a fourth reel M3 d, and a fifth reel M3 e are arrangedin sequential order from the left. Further, as described above, whenfive or more bonus symbols have been rearranged, a bonus-in isestablished and the routine migrates to a bonus game. In FIG. 81 (a) toFIG. 81 (b-6), symbols marked with open circles “O” indicate bonussymbols.

A more specific movement will be described with reference to FIG. 81 (a)to FIG. 81 (b-6). As shown in FIG. 81 (a), the first reel M3 a and thesecond reel M3 b that is the right next thereto stop and then a li-zhiis established. At this time point, as shown in FIG. 81 (a), the thirdreel M3 c to the fifth reel M3 e are still rotating. The first reel M3 aand the second reel M3 b have stopped, whereby the reels targeted forcontrol become the third reel M3 c to the fifth reel M3 e. Hereinafter,the third reel M3 c will be described as a reel targeted for control. Onthe first reel M3 a, bonus symbols “O” are positioned at the upper andlower stages, and on the second reel M3 b, a bonus symbol “O” ispositioned at the middle stage. Therefore, a total of three bonussymbols “O” are displayed in a stopped state.

Next, after the third reel M3 c that is a reel targeted for control hasbeen rotated at a rotating side that is slower than a normal rotationspeed, the reel is temporarily stopped, and then a symbol “BAR” ispositioned at the middle stage (FIG. 81 (b-1)). Next, after 0.5 seconds,the third reel M3 c that is a reel targeted for control rotates in adownward direction by one frame, a symbol “7” is positioned at the upperstage, and then, the symbol “BAR” having been positioned at the middlestage is positionally shifted to the lower stage (FIG. 81 (b-2)).

Next, after 0.5 seconds, the third reel M3 c that is a reel targeted forcontrol rotates in a downward direction by one frame, and the symbol “7”having been positioned at the upper stage is positioned at the middlestage (FIG. 81 (b-3)). Further, after 0.5 second, the third reel M3 cthat is a reel targeted for control rotates in a downward direction byone frame, a bonus symbol “O” is positioned at the upper stage, and thesymbol “7” having been positioned at the middle stage is positionallyshifted at the lower stage (FIG. 81 (b-4)).

Further, after 0.5 second, the third reel M3 c that is a reel targetedfor control rotates in a downward direction by one frame, and the bonussymbol having been positioned at the upper stage is positionally shiftedto the middle stage (FIG. 81 (b-5)). Further, after 0.5 seconds, thethird reel M3 c that is a reel targeted for control rotates in adownward direction by one frame, the bonus symbols “O” is positioned atthe upper stage, and the bonus symbol having been positioned at themiddle stage is positionally shifted to the lower stage (FIG. 81 (b-6)).

As shown in FIG. 81 (b-6), the bonus symbols “O” are positioned at theupper and lower stages of the first reel M3 a, the bonus symbol “O” ispositioned at the middle stage of the second reel M3 b, and the bonussymbols “O” are positioned at the upper and lower stages of the thirdreel M3 c. In this manner, five bonus symbols “O” have been displayed ina stopped state, a bonus-in condition is met, and then the routine canmigrate to a bonus game.

The “one frame” described above is referred to as an interval of aminimum unit of a position at which symbols can stop, and is alsoreferred to as an interval of the adjacent positions at which symbolscan stop along a movement direction (a rotation direction) of a reel M3when the reel has stopped. For example, this interval is referred to asan interval of winning lines that are adjacent to each other along themovement direction (the rotation direction) of the reel. Morespecifically, when three winning lines are set at the upper, middle, andlower stages, an interval between the upper and middle stages or aninterval between the middle and lower stages becomes one frame.

<Steps of First Display Control Processing>

Specifically, first display control processing is executed in accordancewith a subroutine of FIG. 68. The steps of the first display controlprocessing are as follows.

First, after the CPU 71 has operated a reel targeted for control on arotating side that is slower than a normal rotation speed, the CPU 71stops the rotating reel at a predetermined position (step S6811).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not a predetermined period oftime, for example, 0.5 second has elapsed (step S6813).

Next, when the CPU 71 determines that the predetermined period of timehas not elapsed (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to stepS6813. On the other hand, when the CPU 71 determines that thepredetermined period of time has elapsed (YES), the CPU 71 rotates thereel targeted for control by one frame and then stops the rotating reelagain (step S6815).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not a predetermined reel stopcondition has been met (step S6817). The predetermined reel stopcondition includes a condition for establishing a bonus-in or the like.

Next, when the CPU 71 determines that the predetermined reel stopcondition has not been met (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revertto step S6813. On the other hand, when the CPU 71 determines that thepredetermined reel stop condition has been met (YES), the CPU 71determines whether or not a rotating reel exists (step S6819).

Next, when the CPU 71 determines that a rotating reel exists (YES), theCPU 71 changes a reel targeted for control (step S6821) and then causesthe routine to revert to the step S6811 described above. On the otherhand, when the CPU 71 determines that no rotating reel exists (NO),i.e., when the CPU 71 stops all of the reels and then determines thatsymbol rearrangement has completed, the CPU 71 completes thissubroutine.

By making such a processing operation, the reels can be controlled to bemoved on a one by one frame basis and stopped so as to gradually closeto a predetermined reel stop condition, for example, a condition forestablishing a bonus-in; and a player can be given a sense ofexpectation.

<<Second Display Control Processing>>

FIG. 69 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of second display controlprocessing. This subroutine is selected in the processing operation ofstep S6725 in FIG. 67 and then the selected subroutine is invoked andexecuted in step S6727.

The second display control processing is also a processing operationrelating to stop control of a next reel after a li-zhi has beenestablished. That is, this processing is a processing operation relatingto control of a reel targeted for next stop control (hereinafter,referred to as a reel targeted for control) when a li-zhi has beenestablished by controlling at least one reel to be stopped from among aplurality of reels.

<Outline of Second Display Control Processing>

After a li-zhi has been established, a reel targeted for control repeatsan action for the reel to temporarily stopping and then rotating again,temporarily stopping again, and further, rotating again. Every time thereel targeted for control stops, symbols are displayed in a stoppedstate so as to gradually close to a predetermined reel stop condition,for example, a condition for establishing a bonus-in.

In FIG. 82 (a) to FIG. 82 (b-7), a first reel M3 a, a second reel M3 b,a third reel M3 c, a fourth reel M3 d, and a fifth reel M3 e arearranged in sequential order from the left. Further, as described above,when five or more bonus symbols have been rearranged, a bonus-in isestablished and then the routine migrates to a bonus game. In FIG. 82(a) to FIG. 82 (b-7), symbols marked with open circles “O” indicatebonus symbols.

A more specific movement will be described with reference to FIG. 82 (a)to FIG. 82 (b-7). As shown in FIG. 82 (a), the first reel M3 a and thesecond reel M3 b that is the right next thereto stop and then a li-zhiis established. At this time point, as shown in FIG. 82 (a), the thirdreel M3 c to the fifth reel M3 e are still rotating. The first reel M3 aand the second reel M3 b have stopped, whereby the reels targeted forcontrol become the third reel M3 c to the fifth reel M3 e. Hereinafter,the third reel M3 c will be described as a reel targeted for control. Onthe first reel M3 a, bonus symbols “O” are positioned at the upper andlower stages, and on the second reel M3 b, a bonus symbol “O” ispositioned at the middle stage. Therefore, a total of three bonussymbols “O” are displayed in a stopped state.

Next, the third reel M3 c that is a reel targeted for controltemporarily stops (a first time of stop) and then a symbol “BAR” ispositioned at the middle stage (FIG. 82 (b-1)). Next, after apredetermined period of time has elapsed, the third reel M3 e that is areel targeted for control rotates again (FIG. 82 (b-2)).

Next, the third reel M3 c that is a reel targeted for controltemporarily stops again (a second time of stop), a symbols “7” ispositioned at the upper stage, and a symbol “BAR” is positioned at thelower stage (FIG. 82 (b-3)). At the second time of stop, the third reelM3 a that is a reel targeted for control stops at a position at whichthe reel has rotated in a downward direction by one frame more than atthe first time of stop described above (FIG. 82 (b-1). Next, after apredetermined period of time has elapsed, the third reel M3 c that is areel targeted for control rotates again (FIG. 82 (b-4)).

Next, the third reel M3 c that is a reel targeted for controltemporarily stops again (a third time of stop) and then a symbol “7” ispositioned at the middle stage (FIG. 82 (b-5)). At the third time ofstop, the third reel M3 e that is a reel targeted for control stops at aposition at which the reel has rotate in a downward direction by oneframe more than at the second time of stop described above (FIG. 82(b-3). Next, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the thirdreel M3 c that is a reel targeted for control rotates again (FIG. 82(b-6)).

Next, the third reel M3 c that is a reel targeted for controltemporarily stops again (a fourth time of stop), a bonus symbol “O” ispositioned at the upper stage, and then, a symbol “7” is positioned atthe lower stage (FIG. 82 (b-7)). At the fourth time of stop, the thirdreel M3 c that is a reel targeted for control stops at a position atwhich the reel has rotated in a downward direction by one frame morethan at the third time of stop (FIG. 82 (b-5)) described above.

Further, when the third reel M3 c that is a reel targeted for controlhas been stopped by making a similar processing operation, the bonussymbols “O” can be positioned at the upper and lower stages (not shown),a condition for establishing a bonus-in can be met, and then the routinecan migrate to a bonus game.

The “one frame” described above is referred to as an interval of aminimum unit of a position at which symbols can stop, and is alsoreferred to as an interval of the adjacent positions at which symbolscan stop along a movement direction (a rotation direction) of a reel M3when the reel has stopped. For example, this interval is referred to asan interval of winning lines that are adjacent to each other along themovement direction (the rotation direction) of the reel. Morespecifically, when three winning lines are set at the upper, middle, andlower stages, an interval between the upper and middle stages or aninterval between the middle and lower stages becomes one frame.

<Steps of Second Display Control Processing>

Specifically, second display control processing is executed inaccordance with a subroutine of FIG. 69. The steps of the second displaycontrol processing are as follows.

First, the CPU 71 stops a reel targeted for control at a predeterminedposition (step S6911).

Next, the CPU 71 determines a first predetermined period of time, forexample, 0.5 second has elapsed (step S6913).

Next, when the CPU 71 determines that the first predetermine period oftime has not elapsed (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert tostep S6913. On the other hand, when the CPU 71 determines that the firstpredetermined period of time has elapsed (YES), the CPU 71 rotates areel targeted for control (step S6915).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not a second period of time, forexample, 0.5 second has elapsed (step S6917).

Next, the CPU 71 stop-controls the reel targeted for control so as tostop at a position at which the reel has been rotated by one frame morethan at which the reel targeted for control has been stopped previously(step S6919).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not a predetermined reel stopcondition has been met (step S6921). The predetermined reel stopcondition includes a condition for establishing a bonus-in, for example.

Next, when the CPU 71 determines that the predetermined reel stopcondition has not been met (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revertto step S6913. On the other hand, when the CPU 71 determines that thepredetermined reel stop condition has been met (YES), the CPU 71determines whether or not a rotating reel still exists (step S6923).

Next, when the CPU 71 determines that the rotating reel exists (YES),the CPU 71 changes the reel targeted for control (step S6925) and thencauses the routine to revert to the step S6911 described above. On theother hand, when the CPU 71 determines that no rotating reel exists(NO), i.e., when the CPU 71 stops all reels and then determines thatsymbol rearrangement has completed, the CPU 71 competes this subroutine.

By making such a processing operation, while a player is given a senseof uneasiness that no bonus-in may be established every time a reeltargeted for control rotates, a reel targeted for control is controlledto be stopped so as to close to a predetermined reel stop condition, forexample, a condition for establishing a bonus-in on a one by one framebasis every time the reel is stopped after being rotated, so that theplayer can be given a higher sense of expectation again.

<<Third Display Control Processing>>

FIG. 70 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of third display controlprocessing. This subroutine is selected in the processing operation ofstep S6725 in FIG. 67 and then the selected subroutine is invoked andexecuted in step S6727.

The third display control processing is a processing operation relatingto stop control a next reel after a li-zhi has been established. Thatis, this control processing is a processing operation relating tocontrol of a reel targeted for next stop control (hereinafter, referredto as a reel targeted for control) when a li-zhi has been established bycontrolling at least one reel to be stopped from among a plurality ofreels.

<Outline of Third Display Control Processing>

After a li-zhi has been established, a reel targeted for control repeatsan action for the reel to temporarily stop before a winning line onwhich a bonus symbol of a reel having already stopped is positioned,then advance on a one by one frame basis every 0.5 second, thentemporarily stop before the winning line on which the bonus symbolhaving already stopped is positioned, and then, advance on a one by oneframe basis every 0.5 second. For example, the above reel repeats anaction of frame feeding and re-rotation (re-spinning). A “frame feeding”is an operation or the like of advancing on a one by one frame basisevery 0.5 second.

In the first display control processing, a “winning line” is referred toas each of three lines extending horizontally at the upper, middle, andlower stages (refer to FIG. 83 (a) to FIG. 83 (b-9)). In addition, inFIG. 83 (a) to FIG. 83 (b-9), a first reel M3 a, a second reel M3 b, athird reel M3 c, a fourth reel M3 d, and a fifth reel M3 e are arrangedin sequential order from the left. Further, as described above, whenfive or more bonus symbols have been rearranged, a bonus-in isestablished and then the routine migrates to a bonus game. In FIG. 83(a) to FIG. 83 (b-9), symbols marked with open circles “O” indicatebonus symbols.

A more specific movement will be described with reference to FIG. 83 (a)to FIG. 83 (b-9). As shown in FIG. 83 (a), the first reel M3 a and thesecond reel M3 b that is the right next thereto stop and then a li-zhiis established. At this time point, as shown in FIG. 83 (a), the thirdreel M3 c to the fifth reel M3 e are still rotating. The first reel M3 aand the second reel M3 b have stopped, whereby the reels targeted forcontrol become the third reel M3 c to the fifth reel M3 e. Hereinafter,the third reel M3 c will be described as a reel targeted for control. Onthe first reel M3 a, bonus symbols “O” are positioned at the upper andlower stages, and on the second reel M3 b, a bonus symbol “O” ispositioned at the middle stage. Therefore, a total of three bonussymbols “O” are displayed in a stopped state.

Next, the third reel M3 c that is a reel targeted for controltemporarily stops and then a symbol “7” is positioned at the middlestage (FIG. 83 (b-1)). Next, after 0.5 second, the third reel M3 c thatis a reel targeted for control rotates in a downward direction by oneframe, a bonus symbol “O” is positioned at the upper stage, and then thesymbol “7” having been positioned at the middle stage is positionallyshifted to the lower stage (FIG. 83 (b-2)).

Next, after 0.5 second, the third reel M3 c that is a reel targeted forcontrol rotates in a downward direction by one frame and then a bonussymbol “O” having been positioned at the upper stage is positionallyshifted to the middle stage (FIG. 83 (b-3)). Further, after 0.5 second,the third reel M3 c that is a reel targeted for control rotates in adownward direction by one frame, a bonus symbol “O” is positioned at theupper stage, and then, the bonus symbol “O” having been positioned atthe middle stage is positionally shifted to the lower stage (FIG. 83(b-4)).

Next, the third reel M3 c that is a reel targeted for control rotatesagain (FIG. 83 (b-5) and then temporarily stops, and a symbol “7” ispositioned at the middle stage (FIG. 83 (b-6)). Next, after 0.5 second,the third reel M3 c that is a reel targeted for control rotates in adownward direction by one frame, a bonus symbol “O” is positioned at theupper stage, and then, the symbol “7” having been positioned at themiddle stage is positionally shifted to the lower stage (FIG. 83 (b-7)).

Next, after 0.5 second, the third reel M3 c that is a reel targeted forcontrol rotates in a downward by one frame and then the bonus symbolshaving positioned at the upper stage is positionally shifted to themiddle stage (FIG. 83 (b-8)). Further, after 0.5 second, the third reelM3 c that is a reel targeted for control rotates in a downward directionby one frame, a bonus symbol “O” is positioned at the upper stage, andthen, the bonus symbol “O” having been positioned at the middle stage ispositionally shifted to the lower stage (FIG. 83 (b-9)).

As shown in FIG. 83 (b-9), bonus symbols “O” are positioned at the upperand lower stages of the first reel Mia; a bonus symbol “O” is positionedat the middle stage of the second reel M3 b; and bonus symbols “O” arepositioned at the upper and lower stages of the third reel M3 c. In thisway, five bonus symbols have been displayed in a stopped state; acondition for establishing a bonus-in is met; and then, the routine canmigrate to a bonus game.

The “one frame” described above is referred to as an interval of aminimum unit of a position at which symbols can stop, and is alsoreferred to as an interval of the adjacent positions at which symbolscan stop along a movement direction (a rotation direction) of a reel M3when the reel has stopped. For example, this interval is referred to asan interval of winning lines that are adjacent to each other along themovement direction (the rotation direction) of the reel. Morespecifically, when three winning lines are set at the upper, middle, andlower stages, an interval between the upper and middle stages or aninterval between the middle and lower stages becomes one frame.

<Steps of Third Display Control Processing>

Specifically, third display control processing is executed in accordancewith a subroutine of FIG. 70. The steps of the third display controlprocessing are as follows.

First, after the CPU 71 has operated a reel targeted for control on arotating side that is slower than a normal rotation speed, the CPU 71stops the rotating reel at a predetermined position (step S7011).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not a first predetermined periodof time, for example, 0.5 second has elapsed (step S7013).

Next, when the CPU 71 determines that the first predetermined period oftime has not elapsed (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert tostep S7013. On the other hand, when the CPU 71 determines that the firstpredetermined period of time has elapsed (YES), the CPU 71 rotates thereel targeted for control by one frame and then stops the rotating reelagain (step S7015).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not a predetermined reel stopcondition has been met (step S7017). The predetermined reel stopcondition includes a condition for establishing a bonus-in or the like.

Next, when the CPU 71 determines that the predetermined reel stopcondition has not been met (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revertto step S7013. On the other hand, when the CPU 71 determines that thepredetermined reel stop condition has been met (YES), the CPU determineswhether or not a predetermined completion condition has been met (stepS7019). The predetermined completion condition can be met when thenumber of times of execution of a processing operation in step S7021 tobe described later reaches a predetermined number of times. Thepredetermined number of times include three times, for example. By doingthis, the processing operations of steps S7011 to S7023 can be repeateduntil the number of times of rotation of a reel targeted for control hasreached a predetermined number of times.

When the CPU 71 determines that the predetermined completion conditionhas not been met in the determination processing of step S7019 (NO), theCPU 71 rotates a reel targeted for control (step S7021).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not a second predetermined periodof time, for example, 0.5 second has elapsed (step S7023).

Next, when the CPU 71 determines that the second predetermined period oftime has not elapsed (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert tostep S7023. On the other hand, when the CPU 71 determines that thesecond predetermined period of time has elapsed (YES), the CPU 71 causesthe routine to revert to step S7011.

When the CPU 71 determines that the predetermined completion conditionhas been met in the determination processing of the step S7019 describedabove (YES), the CPU 71 determines whether or not a rotating reel exist(step S7025).

Next, when the CPU 71 determines that the rotating reel exists (YES),the CPU 71 changes a reel targeted for control (step S7027) and thencauses the routine to revert to the step S7011 described above. On theother hand, when the CPU 71 determines that no rotating reel exists(NO), i.e., when the CPU 71 stops all of reels and then determines thatsymbol rearrangement has completed, the CPU 71 completes thissubroutine.

By making such a processing operation, although a predetermined reelstop condition is temporarily met, a reel targeted for control isrotated again, thus making a player feel uneasiness. In addition, thepredetermined reel stop condition is met by making a similar movement,thus enabling a player to have a higher sense of expectation.

<<Fourth Display Control Processing>>

FIG. 71 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of fourth display controlprocessing. This subroutine is selected in the processing operation ofstep S6725 in FIG. 67 and then the selected subroutine is invoked andexecuted in step S6727.

The fourth display control processing is a processing operation relatingto next reel stop control after a li-zhi has been established. That is,this control processing is a processing operation relating to control ofa reel targeted for next stop control (hereinafter, referred to as areel targeted for control) when a li-zhi has been established bycontrolling at least one reel to be stopped from among a plurality ofreels.

<Outline of Fourth Display Control Processing>

After a li-zhi has been established, a reel targeted for control repeatsan action for the reel to temporarily stop, then rotate in a forwarddirection again, then temporarily stop, then rotate in a backwarddirection again, then temporarily stop, then rotate slowly in theforward direction, and then, stop. At this time, a position at which thereel targeted for control stops is made different from another one everytime the reel targeted for control stops. For example, the reel targetedfor control stops so as to close onto a winning line on which a prizecan be obtained, every time the reel targeted for control stops.

In the fourth display control processing as well, a winning line isreferred to as each of three lines extending horizontally at the upper,middle, and lower stages (refer to FIG. 84 (a) to FIG. 84 (b-7). Inaddition, in FIG. 84 (a) to FIG. 84 (b-7), a first reel M3 a, a secondreel M3 b, a third reel M3 c, a fourth reel M3 d, and a fifth reel M3 eare arranged in sequential order from the left. Further, as describedabove, when five or more bonus symbols have been rearranged, a bonus-inis established and then the routine migrates to a bonus game. In FIG. 84(a) to FIG. 84 (b-7), symbols marked with open circles “O” indicatebonus symbols.

A more specific movement will be described with reference to FIG. 84 (a)to FIG. 84 (b-7). As shown in FIG. 84 (a), the first reel M3 a and thesecond reel M3 b that is the right next thereto stop and then a li-zhiis established. At this time point, as shown in FIG. 84 (a), the thirdreel M3 c to the fifth reel M3 e are still rotating. The first reel M3 aand the second reel M3 b have stopped, whereby the reels targeted forcontrol become the third reel M3 c to the fifth reel M3 e. Hereinafter,the third reel M3 c will be described as a reel targeted for control. Onthe first reel M3 a, bonus symbols “O” are positioned at the upper andlower stages, and on the second reel M3 b, a bonus symbol “O” ispositioned at the middle stage. Therefore, a total of three bonussymbols “O” are displayed in a stopped state.

Next, the third reel M3 c that is a reel targeted for controltemporarily stops and then a symbol “BAR” is positioned at the middlestage (FIG. 84 (b-1)). Next, after a predetermined period of time, forexample, after 0.5 second, the third reel M3 c that is a reel targetedfor control rotates (FIG. 84 (b-2)) in a forward direction (for example,in a downward direction).

Next, after a predetermined period of time, the third reel M3 c that isa reel targeted for control temporarily stops and then a symbol “BAR” ispositioned at the middle stage (FIG. 84 (b-3)). Next, after apredetermined period of time, for example, after 0.5 second, the thirdreel M3 c that is a reel targeted for control rotates (FIG. 84 (b-4)) ina backward direction (for example, in an upward direction)).

Next, after a predetermined period of time, the third reel M3 c that isa reel targeted for control temporarily stops and then a symbol “BAR” ispositioned at the middle stage (FIG. 84 (b-5)). Next, after apredetermined period of time, for example, after 0.5 second, the thirdreel M3 c that is a reel targeted for control rotates slowly (FIG. 84(b-6)) in a forward direction (for example, in an upward direction)).

Next, after a predetermined period of time, the third reel M3 c that isa reel targeted for control stops and then bonus symbols “O” aredisplayed in a stopped state at the upper and lower stages (FIG. 84(b-7)).

FIG. 84 (b-1), FIG. 84 (b-3), and FIG. 84 (b-5) showed a case in whichsymbols of same kind “BAR” are displayed in a stopped state at themiddle stage. As described above, it is preferable that symbols ofdifferent kinds be displayed in a stopped so that stopped positions aredifferent from each other every time a reel targeted for control stops.In particular, it is preferable that a current condition be graduallyclose to a condition for establishing a bonus-in every time a reeltargeted for control stops.

As shown in FIG. 84 (b-7), bonus symbols “O” are positioned at the upperand lower stages of the first reel M3 a; a bonus symbol “O” ispositioned at the middle stage of the second reel M3 b; and bonussymbols “O” are positioned at the upper and lower stages of the thirdreel M3 c. In this manner, five bonus symbols have been displayed in astopped state, a condition for establishing a bonus-in is met, and then,the routine can migrates to a bonus game.

<Steps of Fourth Display Control Processing>

Specifically, fourth display control processing is executed inaccordance with a subroutine of FIG. 71. The steps of the fourth displaycontrol processing are as follows.

First, the CPU 71 stops a reel targeted for control at a predeterminedposition (step S7111).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not a first predetermined periodof time, for example, 0.5 second has elapsed (step S7113).

Next, when the CPU 71 determines that the first predetermined period oftime has not elapsed (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert tostep S7113. On the other hand, when the CPU 71 determines that the firstpredetermined period of time has elapsed (YES), the CPU 71 rotates areel targeted for control in a forward direction (step S7115). Theforward direction used herein designates a direction in which a reeltargeted for control rotates in a downward direction in a display window150, for example.

Next, the CPU 71 stops the reel targeted for control at a predeterminedposition after the predetermined period of time has elapsed afterrotation of the reel targeted for control has been started (step S7117).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether a second predetermined period oftime, for example, 0.5 second has been elapsed (step S7119).

Next, when the CPU 71 determine that the second predetermined period oftime has not elapsed (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert tostep S7119. On the other hand, when the CPU 71 determines that thesecond predetermined period of time has elapsed (YES), the CPU 71rotates the reel targeted for control in a backward direction (stepS7121). The backward direction used herein designates a direction inwhich the reel targeted for control rotates in an upward direction inthe display window 150, for example.

Next, the CPU 71 stops the reel targeted for control at a predeterminedposition after the predetermined period of time has elapsed afterrotation of the reel targeted for control has been started (step S7123).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not a third predetermined periodof time, for example, 0.5 second has elapsed (step S7125).

Next, when the CPU 71 determines that the third period of time has notelapsed (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S7125. Onthe other hand, when the CPU 71 determines that the third period of timehas elapsed (YES), the CPU 71 rotates the reel targeted for controlslowly (step S7127). A rotation speed in the processing operation ofstep S7127 may be a speed that is slower than a rotation speed in stepS7115 or step S7121. In addition, with the rotation speed of the reeltargeted for control being slowed down gradually, the reel targeted forcontrol may be stopped in the processing operation of the next stepS7129.

Next, the CPU 71 stops the reel targeted for control at a predeterminedposition after the predetermined period of time has elapsed afterrotation of the reel targeted for control has been started (step S7129).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not a completion condition hasbeen met (step S7131). The completion condition used herein designatesthat a stop position of the reel targeted for control has been determineat a position at which a condition for establishing a bonus-in is met.That is, this determination processing is to determine whether or notthe reel targeted for control has stopped at the position at which thecondition for establishing a bonus-in is met in accordance with theprocessing operation of S7129.

Next, when the CPU 71 determines that the completion condition has notbeen met (NO), the CPI 71 causes the routine to revert to step S7113. Onthe other hand, when the CPU 71 determines that the completion conditionhas been met (YES), the CPU 71 determines whether or not a rotating reelexists (step S7133).

Next, when the CPU 71 determines that the rotating reel exists (YES),the CPU 71 changes the reel targeted for control (step S7135) and thencauses the routine to revert to the step S7111 described above. On theother hand, when the CPU 71 determines that the rotating reel does notexist (NO), i.e., when the CPU 71 stops all reels and then determinesthat symbol rearrangement has completed, the CPU 71 completes thissubroutine.

While the example described above showed a case in which the processingoperations of steps S7113 to S7129 are executed in sequential order, anyone processing operation may be selected and executed from amongprocessing operations of: executing lottery processing every time untilthe completion condition of step S7131 has been established and thenrotating a reel targeted for control in a forward direction (stepS7115); rotating the reel targeted for control in a backward direction(step S7121); and rotating the reel targeted for control slowly in theforward direction (step S7127). By doing this, a reel movement mode israndomly selected until the completion condition of step S7131, thusenabling a player to visually recognize the reel movement to therebyable to impart a tense atmosphere and to enhance a sense of expectation.

In the processing operations of the steps S7117, S7123, and S7129described above, a position for stopping the reel targeted for controlis predetermined. The position for stopping the reel targeted forcontrol may be randomly determined. In addition, the position forstopping the reel targeted for control may be determined so as to begradually close to a position meeting a condition for establishing abonus-in every time the reel targeted for control stops, i.e., so as tobe gradually close onto a winning line on which a prize can be obtained.In this way, a player's sense of expectation can be enhanced by stoppingthe reel targeted for control.

In this way, the reel targeted for reel is forwardly rotated, isbackwardly rotated, or is slowly rotated to be thereby able to impart asense of enhance a sense of expectation while imparting a sense ofuneasiness to a player.

<<Fifth Display Control Processing>>

FIG. 72 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of fifth display controlprocessing. This subroutine is selected in the processing operation ofstep S6725 in FIG. 67 and then the selected subroutine is invoked andexecuted in step S6727.

The fifth display control processing is a processing operation relatingto next reel stop control after a li-zhi has been established. That is,this control operation is a processing operation relating to control ofa reel targeted for next stop control (hereinafter, referred to as areel targeted for control when a li-zhi has been established bycontrolling at least one reel to be stopped from among a plurality ofreels. In the first to fourth display control processing operationsdescribed above, the number of reels targeted for control is always one,and when a plurality of reels rotate after a li-zhi has beenestablished, the plurality of reels each are sequentially selected as areel targeted for control and then are controlled to be stopped. Thefifth display control processing is to control at least two reels to bestopped as reels targeted for control when a plurality of reels rotatesafter a li-zhi has been established.

<Outline of Fifth Display Control Processing>

After a li-zhi has been established, while all of the remaining reelsrotate as reels targeted for control, symbols are adjusted to be formedin a horizontal direction. For example, as to symbols “7” of same kindassigned to the respective three reels, three reels rotate while threesymbols “7”-“7”-“7” of same kind are formed in a horizontal directionand then these reels stop at the same time.

A more specific movement will be described with reference to FIG. 85 (a)to FIG. 85 (c). As shown in FIG. 85 (a), a first reel M3 a and a secondreel M3 b that is the right next thereto stop and then a li-zhi isestablished. At this time point, as shown in FIG. 85 (a), a third reelM3 c and a fifth reel M3 e are still rotating. The first reel M3 a andthe second reel M3 b have stopped, whereby the reels targeted forcontrol become the third reel M3 c to the fifth reel M3 e. Hereinafter,the third reel M3 c will be described as a reel targeted for control. Onthe first reel M3 a, bonus symbols “O” are positioned at the upper andlower stages, and on the second reel M3 b, a bonus symbol “O” ispositioned at the middle stage. Therefore, a total of three bonussymbols “O” are displayed in a stopped state.

Next, the third reel M3 e, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 ethat are reels targeted for control adjust rotation speeds of the thirdreel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e so that symbolsare formed along a horizontal direction while mainlining their rotatingstates (step S85 (b)).

Next, when the symbols are formed along the horizontal direction, therotation speeds of the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and thefifth reel M3 e are equalized (FIG. 85 (c)) and then the equalizedrotation speeds of the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and thefifth reel M3 e are gradually slowed down at the same time, and thethird reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e arestopped at the same time.

<Steps of Fifth Display Control Processing>

Specifically, fifth display control processing is executed in accordancewith a subroutine of FIG. 72. The steps of the fifth display controlprocessing are as follows.

First, the CPU 71 changes a rotation speed of a reel targeted forcontrol (step S7211). In a case where two reels targeted for controlexist, one reel targeted for control is maintained at a normal rotationspeed, whereas the other reel targeted for control is set at a speedthat is different from the normal rotation speed. By doing this, symbolscan be gradually formed while the reels targeted for control arerotated. In addition, in a case where three reels targeted for controlexist, a first reel targeted for control is maintained at a normalrotation speed, a second reel targeted for control is set at a firstspeed that is different from the normal rotation speed, and a third reeltargeted for control is set at a second speed that is different from thenormal speed and the first speed. By doing this, symbols can begradually formed while the reels targeted for control are rotated.

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not there exist reels targetedfor control on which symbols have been formed in a horizontal direction(step S7213). This determination is made by a reel targeted for control,which is rotating at a normal rotation speed, and by a reel targeted forcontrol, which is rotating at a rotation speed that is different fromthe normal rotation speed. Whether or not symbols have been formed in ahorizontal direction can be determined with the use of numbers foridentifying the symbols. When the CPU 71 determines that there do notexist reels targeted for control on which symbols have been formed in ahorizontal direction (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert tostep S7213.

On the other hand, when the CPU 71 determines that there exist reelstargeted for control on which symbols have been formed in a horizontaldirection (YES), a rotation speed of a reel targeted for control, whichis rotating at a rotation speed that is different from a normal speed,is reset to the normal speed from among the reels targeted for controlon which the symbols have been formed (step S7215). By doing this, thereels targeted for control can be continuously rotated at the normalrotation speed while the state in which the symbols have been formed ismaintained.

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not symbols have been formed in ahorizontal direction as to all of the reels targeted for control (stepS7217). When the CPU 71 determines that the symbols have not been formedin the horizontal direction as to all of the reels targeted for control(NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S7213.

On the other hand, when the CPU 71 determines that the symbols have beenformed in the horizontal direction as to all of the reels targeted forcontrol (YES), the rotations of all of the reels targeted for controlare gradually slowed down (step S7219).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not all of the reels targeted forcontrol have stopped (step S7221). When the CPU 71 determines that allof the reels targeted for control have not stopped yet (NO), the CPU 71causes the routine to revert to step S7219. On the other hand, when theCPU 71 determines that all of the reels targeted for control havestopped (YES), the CPU 71 completes this subroutine.

In this way, symbols are formed in the horizontal direction while theplurality of reels targeted for control are rotated, whereby a playervisually recognize an appearance that the symbols are gradually formedto thus able to enhance a player's sense of expectation.

<<Sixth Display Control Processing>>

FIG. 73 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of sixth display controlprocessing. This subroutine is selected in the processing operation ofstep S6615 in FIG. 66 and then the selected subroutine is invoked andexecuted in step S6727 of FIG. 67.

The sixth display control processing is a processing operation relatingto rotation control and stop control of a reel having started rotation,as triggered by the fact that a player has operated a spin button 602.

<Outline of Sixth Display Control Processing>

When a player has pressed a spin button 602, a first reel M3 a, a thirdreel M3 c, and a fifth reel M3 e rotate in a forward direction and thena second reel M3 b and a fourth reel M3 d rotate in a backwarddirection. After that, wild symbols stop in sequential order of thesecond reel M3 b and the fourth reel M3 d and then stop slowlytantalizingly in sequential order of the first reel M3 a, the third reelM3 c, and the fifth reel M3 e.

The wild symbol used herein is a symbol having a function of enabling acurrent symbol with any of symbols that are used in a gaming machine300, and in particular, is a symbol that can be replaced so that a gameresult is advantageous to a player.

A specific movement will be described with reference to FIG. 86 (a) andFIG. 86 (b). When a player has pressed a spin button 602, the first reelM3 a, the third reel M3 c, and the fifth reel M3 e rotate in a forwarddirection and then the second reel M3 b and the fourth reel M3 d rotatein a backward direction (FIG. 86 (a)). In FIG. 86 (a), the downwardarrow indicates a reel rotating in the forward direction, and the upwardarrow indicates a reel rotating in the backward direction.

After that, the second reel M3 b stops, and a wild symbol “WILD” isdisplayed in a stopped state; and then, the fourth reel M3 d stops, anda wild symbol “WILD” is displayed in a stopped state (FIG. 86 (b)).

After that, the first reel M3 a stops slowing while slowing down itsrotation speed. Next, the third reel M3 c stops slowly while slowingdown its rotation speed. Lastly, the fifth reel M3 e stops slowly whileslowing down its rotation speed.

<Steps of Sixth Display Control Processing>

Specifically, sixth display control processing is executed in accordancewith a subroutine of FIG. 73. The sixth display control processing is asfollows.

First, the CPU 71 rotates a first reel M3 a, a third reel M5 c, and afifth reel M3 e in a forward direction and then rotates a second reel M3and a fourth reel M3 d in a backward direction, in the processingoperations of steps S6615 and S6617 of FIG. 66 described above.

It is preferable that the reel rotation processing be as follows. Asdescribed above, wild symbols “WILD” are determined to be displayed in astopped state on the second reel M3 b and the fourth reel M3 d inaccordance with the combination determination processing of S8.Therefore, among the five reels of the first to fifth reels M3 a to M3e, it is determined whether or not there exists a reel allowing a wildsymbol “WILD” to be displayed in a stopped state on a winning line.Among the five reels of the first reel M3 a to the fifth reel M3 e, whenit is determined that there exists a reel allowing a wild symbol “WILD”to be displayed in a stopped state on a winning line, the reel allowingthe wild symbol “WILD” to be displayed in a stopped state is rotated ina backward direction and then a reel disallowing a wild symbol “WILD” tobe displayed in a stopped state is rotated in a backward direction. Bydoing this, the reel allowing the wild symbol “WILD” to be displayed ina stopped state can always be rotated in the backward direction. Theseprocessing operations can be executed in the processing operations ofsteps S6615 and S6617 in FIG. 66 described above.

Next, the CPU 71 stops the second reel M3 b with a predetermined timing,for example after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after reelrotation has been started (step S7311).

Next, the CPU 71 stops the fourth reel M3 d with a predetermined timing,for example, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after stepS7311 has been executed (S7313).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not wild symbols “WILD” have beendisplayed in a stopped state on both of the second reel M3 b and thefourth reel M3 d that have been stopped (step S7315).

When the CPU 71 determines that the wild symbols “WILD” have beendisplayed in a stopped state on both of the second reel M3 b and thefourth reel M3 d that have been stopped (YES), a rotation speed of thefirst reel M3 a is gradually slowed down (step S7317).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not the first reel M3 a hasstopped (step S7319). When the CPU 71 determines that the first reel M3a has not stopped (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to stepS7317.

When the CPU 71 determines that the first reel M3 a has stopped (YES), arotation speed of the third reel M3 c is gradually slowed down (stepS7321).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not the third reel M3 e hasstopped (step S7323). When the CPU 71 determines that the third reel M3c has not stopped (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to stepS7321.

When the CPU 71 determines that the third reel M3 c has stopped (YES), arotation speed of the fifth reel M3 e is gradually slowed down (stepS7325).

Next, the CPU71 determines whether or not the fifth reel M3 e hasstopped (step S7327). When the CPU 71 determines that the fifth reel M3e has not stopped (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to stepS7325.

When the CPU 71 determines that the fifth reel M3 e has stopped (YES),the CPU 71 completes this subroutine.

When the CPU 71 determines that wild symbols “WILD” have not beendisplayed in a stopped state on both of the second reel M3 b and thefourth reel M3 d that have been stopped, in the determination processingof step S7315 described above (NO), the CPU 71 stops the first reel M3a, the third reel M3 c, and the fifth reel M3 e in a normal mode (afirst mode) (step S7329) and then completes this subroutine.

By doing this, rotation directions of the five reels first rotatealternately differently, thus enabling a player to be surprised and toexpect what happens next. Further, a wild symbol is displayed in astopped state to be thus able to enhance a sense of expectation. Lastly,the reels are stopped slowly to be thus able to bring a player into atense atmosphere and attract the player's interest to reel movement fromstart of rotation to symbol rearrangement.

<<Seventh Display Control Processing>>

FIG. 74 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of seventh display controlprocessing. This subroutine is selected in the processing operation ofstep S6615 in FIG. 66 and then the selected subroutine is invoked andexecuted in step S6617.

The seventh display control processing is a processing operationrelating to rotation control and stop control of a reel having startedrotation as triggered by the fact that a player has operated a spinbutton 602.

<Outline of Seventh Display Control Processing>

When a player has pressed a spin button 602, symbols on a first reel M3a, a second reel M3 b, a third reel M3 c, a fourth reel M3 d, and afifth reel M3 e are shifted slowly for 0.5 second up to a positionbeneath a half frame. After that, immediately after the symbols havebeen shifted to the position beneath a half frame, all of the first reelM3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d,and the fifth reel M3 e rotate at a high speed at the same time.

The “one frame” described above is referred to as an interval of aminimum unit of a position at which symbols can stop, and is alsoreferred to as an interval of the adjacent positions at which symbolscan stop along a movement direction (a rotation direction) of a reel M3when the reel has stopped. For example, this interval is referred to asan interval of winning lines that are adjacent to each other along themovement direction (the rotation direction) of the reel. Morespecifically, when three winning lines are set at the upper, middle, andlower stages, an interval between the upper and middle stages or aninterval between the middle and lower stages becomes one frame.Therefore, the “half frame” described above is referred to as aninterval that is half of one frame, and a position of the “half frame”is referred to as an intermediate position between the upper stage andthe middle stage or an intermediate position between the middle stageand the lower stage.

A specific movement will be described with reference to FIG. 87 (a) toFIG. 87 (c). Until a player has pressed a spin button 602, a symbol“BAR” is displayed in a stopped state on the first reel M3 a; a symbol“7” is displayed in a stopped state on the second reel M3 b; a bonussymbol “O” is displayed in a stopped state on the third reel M3 c; asymbol 7 is displayed in a stopped state on the fourth reel M3 d; and abonus symbol “O” is displayed in a stopped state on the fifth reel M3 e(FIG. 87 (a)).

Next, when the player presses the spin button 602, the symbol “BAR” onthe first reel M3 s, the symbol “7” on the second reel M3 b, the bonussymbol “O” on the third reel M3 c, the symbol “7” on the fourth reel M3d, and the bonus symbol “O” on the fifth reel M3 e move for 0.5 secondup to beneath a half frame in a forward direction (in a downwarddirection) (FIG. 87 (b)).

Next, after these symbols have been moved up to the position beneath ahalf frame, the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e start rotation at thesame time in a backward direction (an upward direction). After that, thereels rotate at a rotation speed that is faster than a normal rotationspeed (FIG. 87 (c)).

<Steps of Seventh Display Control Processing>

Specifically, seventh display control processing is executed inaccordance with a subroutine of FIG. 74. The seventh display controlprocessing is as follows.

First, the CPU 71 rotates the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, thethird reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e in aforward direction at a rotation speed that is slower than a normalrotation speed (step S7411).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not symbols on the first reel M3a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, andthe fifth reel M3 e have moved up to the position beneath a half frame(step S7413).

When the CPU 71 determines that the symbols on the first reel M3 a, thesecond reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and thefifth reel M3 e have not moved up to the position beneath a half frame(NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S7413.

When the CPU 71 determines that the symbols on the first reel M3 a, thesecond reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and thefifth reel M3 e have moved up to the position beneath a half frame(YES), the CPU 71 stops the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, thethird reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e (stepS7415).

Next, the CPU 71 rotates the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, thethird reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e at arotation speed that is faster than a normal rotation speed (step S7417)and then completes this subroutine.

First, these reels are rotated slowly and then are rotated in a backwarddirection, thus enabling a player to be surprised and to bring a playerinto a tense atmosphere, and slow and fast speed rendering can beprovided to the player.

<<Eighth Display Control Processing>>

FIG. 75 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of eighth display controlprocessing. This subroutine is selected in the processing operation ofstep S6615 in FIG. 66 and then the selected subroutine is invoked andexecuted in step S6727 of FIG. 67.

The eighth display control processing is a processing operation relatingto rotation control and stop control of a reel having started rotationas triggered by the fact that a player has operated a spin button 602.

<Outline of Eighth Display Control Processing>

All reels rotate for two second at a normal rotation speed. After that,all the reels form symbols in a horizontal direction while rotating at arotation speed that is faster than the normal rotation speed. After thesymbols have been formed in the horizontal direction, all the reelsrotate tantalizingly for a while at a rotation speed that is slower thanthe normal rotation speed. Lastly, all the reels rotate after rotatingat the rotation speed that is slower than the normal rotation speed. Inplace of rotating at the rotation speed that is slower than the normalrotation speed, all the reels may stop so as to rotate by means offrame-feeding.

The frame feeding used herein designates an operation of rotating a reelin a stepwise manner so as to advance on a one by one frame basis every0.5 second, for example. One frame is referred to as an interval of aminimum unit at a position at which symbols can stop, and is alsoreferred to as an interval of the adjacent positions at which symbolscan stop along a movement direction (a rotation direction) of a reel M3.For example, this interval is referred to as an interval of the adjacentwinning lines along a reel movement direction (a rotation direction).More specifically, when three winning lines exist at the upper, middle,and lower stages, an interval between the upper stage and the middlestage or an interval between the middle stage and the lower stagebecomes one frame.

A more specific movement will be described with reference to FIG. 88 (a)to FIG. 88 (d). When a player presses a spin button 602 the first reelM3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d,and the fifth reel M3 e start rotation in a forward direction at thesame time (FIG. 88 (a)).

After that, when two seconds have elapsed after rotation has started,while the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c,the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e rotate at a rotation speedthat is slower than a normal rotation speed, rotation speeds of thefirst reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourthreel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e each are adjusted so that symbols areformed along a horizontal direction (FIG. 88 (b)).

After that, predetermined symbols, for example, symbols “BAR” have beenformed in the horizontal direction, the rotation speeds of the firstreel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3d, and the fifth reel M3 e are identical to each other and then thesereels each rotate at the rotation speed that is slower than the normalrotation speed (FIG. 88 (c)).

After that, the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e are stopped at the sametime so that predetermined symbols, for example, symbols “7” aredisplayed in a stopped state (FIG. 88 (d)).

When predetermined symbols, for example, symbols “BAR” are formed in ahorizontal direction, the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, thethird reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e may berotated in a stepwise manner so as to make frame-feeding. As describedabove, frame-feeding is an operation of rotating reels in a stepwisemanner so as to advance on a one by one frame basis every 0.5 second,for example. After frame-feeding has been made, the first reel M3 a, thesecond reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and thefifth reel M3 e are stopped at the same time so that predeterminedsymbols are displayed in a stopped state (FIG. 88 (d)).

<Steps of Eighth Display Control Processing>

Specifically, eighth display control processing is executed inaccordance with a subroutine of FIG. 75. The eighth display controlprocessing is as follows.

The CPU 71 rotates the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the thirdreel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e in a forwarddirection at a normal rotation speed in the processing operations ofsteps S6613 and S6617 in FIG. 66 described above.

First, the CPU 71 determines whether or not two seconds have elapsedfrom rotation start of the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, thethird reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e (stepS7511).

When the CPU 71 determines that two seconds have not elapsed fromrotation start of the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the thirdreel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e (NO), the CPU71 causes the routine to revert to step S7511.

When the CPU 71 determines that two seconds have elapsed from rotationstart of the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c,the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e (YES), the first reel M3a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, andthe fifth reel M3 e are rotated at a rotation speed that is faster thana normal rotation speed (step S7513).

Next, the CPU 71 changes a rotation speed of the second reel M3 b whilemaintaining a rotation speed of the first reel M3 a at the rotationspeed that is faster than the normal rotation speed (step s7515).

Next, the CPU 71 determine whether or not a symbol on the first reel M3a and a symbol on the second reel M3 b have been formed in a horizontaldirection (step S7517). Whether or not symbols have been formed in thehorizontal direction can be determined with the use of numbers foridentifying the symbols. When the CPU 71 determined that no symbols havebeen formed in the horizontal direction (NO), the CPU 71 causes theroutine to revert to S7517.

When the CPU 71 determines that the symbols have been formed in thehorizontal direction (YES), the CPU 71 changes the rotation speed of thesecond reel M3 b to a rotation speed that is identical to the rotationspeed of the first reel M3 a (step S7519).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not the symbols on the first reelM3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d,and the fifth reel M3 e have been formed in the horizontal direction(step S7521).

When the CPU 71 determines that the symbols of the first reel M3 a, thesecond reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and thefifth reel M3 e have not been formed in the horizontal direction (NO),the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S7515.

When the routine has reverted to step S7515, the CPU 71 executes theprocessing operations in steps S7515 to S7517 and then changes arotation speed of the third reel M3 c so that the symbol on the firstreel M3 a and the symbol on the third reel M3 c are formed in thehorizontal direction while maintaining the rotation speed of the firstreel M3 a at a rotation speed that is faster than the normal rotationspeed. Further, the steps S7515 to S7517 are repeated so as to therebyform the symbol on the first reel M3 a and the symbol on the fourth reelM3 d in the horizontal direction and then form the symbol on the firstreel M3 a and the symbol on the fifth reel M3 e in the horizontaldirection. By repeating the processing operations in this way, thesymbols on the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e can be formed in thehorizontal direction.

Next, when the CPU 71 determines that the symbols on the first reel M3a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, andthe fifth reel M3 e have been formed in the horizontal direction (YES),the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, thefourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e are rotate at a rotation speedthat is slower than the normal rotation speed (step S7523).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not a predetermined period oftime has elapsed (step S7525). When the CPU 71 determines that thepredetermined period of time has not elapsed (NO), the CPU 71 causes theroutine to revert to step S7525.

When the CPU 71 determines that the predetermined period of time haselapsed (NO), the rotation speed of the first reel M3 a, the second reelM3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 eis gradually slowed down (step S7527).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not the first reel M3 a, thesecond reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and thefifth reel M3 e have stopped (step S7529). When the CPU 71 determinesthat the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, thefourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e have not stopped (NO), the CPU71 causes the routine to revert to step S7529.

When the CPU 71 determines that the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 ehave stopped (YES), the CPU 71 completes this subroutine.

By doing this, symbols are gradually formed while the reels rotate to bethus able to attract a player's interest to reel movement and give asense of expectation to the player until symbol rearrangement hascompleted.

<<Ninth Display Control Processing>>

FIG. 76 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of ninth display controlprocessing. This subroutine is selected in the processing operation ofstep S6615 in FIG. 66 and then the selected subroutine is invoked andexecuted in step S6727 of FIG. 67.

All reels rotate for two second at a normal rotation speed. After that,all the reels form symbols in a horizontal direction while rotating at arotation speed that is faster than the normal rotation speed. After thesymbols have been formed in the horizontal direction, all the reelsrotate tantalizingly for a while at a rotation speed that is slower thanthe normal rotation speed. Lastly, all the reels rotate after rotatingat the rotation speed that is slower than the normal rotation speed. Inplace of rotating at the rotation speed that is slower than the normalrotation speed, all the reels may stop so as to rotate by means offrame-feeding.

The frame feeding used herein designates an operation of rotating a reelin a stepwise manner so as to advance on a one by one frame basis every0.5 second, for example. One frame is referred to as an interval of aminimum unit at a position at which symbols can stop, and is alsoreferred to as an interval of the adjacent positions at which symbolscan stop along a movement direction (a rotation direction) of a reel M3.For example, this interval is referred to as an interval of the adjacentwinning lines along a reel movement direction (a rotation direction).More specifically, when three winning lines exist at the upper, middle,and lower stages, an interval between the upper stage and the middlestage or an interval between the middle stage and the lower stagebecomes one frame.

A more specific movement will be described with reference to FIG. 89 (a)to FIG. 89 (d). When a player presses a spin button 602 the first reelM3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d,and the fifth reel M3 e start rotation in a forward direction at thesame time (FIG. 89 (a)).

After that, when two seconds have elapsed after rotation has started,while the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c,the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e rotate at a rotation speedthat is slower than a normal rotation speed, rotation speeds of thefirst reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourthreel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e each are adjusted so that symbols areformed along a horizontal direction (FIG. 89 (b)).

After that, predetermined symbols, for example, symbols “BAR” have beenformed in the horizontal direction, the rotation speeds of the firstreel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3d, and the fifth reel M3 e are identical to each other and then thesereels each rotate at the rotation speed that is slower than the normalrotation speed (FIG. 89 (c)).

After that, the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e are stopped at the sametime so that predetermined symbols, for example, symbols “7” aredisplayed in a stopped state (FIG. 89 (d)).

When predetermined symbols, for example, symbols “BAR” are formed in ahorizontal direction, the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, thethird reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e may berotated in a stepwise manner so as to make frame-feeding. As describedabove, frame-feeding is an operation of rotating reels in a stepwisemanner so as to advance on a one by one frame basis every 0.5 second,for example. After frame-feeding has been made, the first reel M3 a, thesecond reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and thefifth reel M3 e are stopped at the same time so that predeterminedsymbols are displayed in a stopped state (FIG. 89 (d)).

<Steps of Ninth Display Control Processing>

Specifically, ninth display control processing is executed in accordancewith a subroutine of FIG. 76. The ninth display control processing is asfollows.

The CPU 71 rotates the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the thirdreel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e in a forwarddirection at a normal rotation speed in the processing operations ofsteps S6613 and S6617 in FIG. 66 described above.

First, the CPU 71 determines whether or not two seconds have elapsedfrom rotation start of the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, thethird reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e (stepS7611).

When the CPU 71 determines that two seconds have not elapsed fromrotation start of the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the thirdreel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e (NO), the CPU71 causes the routine to revert to step S7611.

When the CPU 71 determines that two seconds have elapsed from rotationstart of the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c,the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e (YES), the CPU 71 rotatesthe first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, thefourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e at a rotation speed that isfaster than a normal rotation speed (step S7613).

Next, the CPU 71 changes a rotation speed of the second reel M3 b whilemaintaining a rotation speed of the first reel M3 a at the rotationspeed that is faster than the normal rotation speed (step s7615).

Next, the CPU 71 determine whether or not a symbol on the first reel M3a and a symbol on the second reel M3 b have been formed in a horizontaldirection (step S7617). Whether or not symbols have been formed in thehorizontal direction can be determined with the use of numbers foridentifying the symbols. When the CPU 71 determined that no symbols havebeen formed in the horizontal direction (NO), the CPU 71 causes theroutine to revert to S7617.

When the CPU 71 determines that the symbols have been formed in thehorizontal direction (YES), the CPU 71 changes the rotation speed of thesecond reel M3 b to a rotation speed that is identical to the rotationspeed of the first reel M3 a (step S7619).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not the symbols on the first reelM3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d,and the fifth reel M3 e have been formed in the horizontal direction(step S7621).

When the CPU 71 determines that the symbols of the first reel M3 a, thesecond reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and thefifth reel M3 e have not been formed in the horizontal direction (NO),the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S7615.

When the routine has reverted to step S7615, the CPU 71 executes theprocessing operations in steps S7615 to S7617 and then changes arotation speed of the third reel M3 c so that the symbol on the firstreel M3 a and the symbol on the third reel M3 c are formed in thehorizontal direction while maintaining the rotation speed of the firstreel M3 a at a rotation speed that is faster than the normal rotationspeed. Further, the steps S7615 to S7617 are repeated so as to therebyform the symbol on the first reel M3 a and the symbol on the fourth reelM3 d in the horizontal direction and then form the symbol on the firstreel M3 a and the symbol on the fifth reel M3 e in the horizontaldirection. By repeating the processing operations in this way, thesymbols on the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e can be formed in thehorizontal direction.

Next, when the CPU 71 determines that the symbols on the first reel M3a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, andthe fifth reel M3 e have been formed in the horizontal direction (YES),the CPU 71 rotates the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the thirdreel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e at a rotationspeed that is slower than the normal rotation speed (step S7623).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not a predetermined period oftime has elapsed (step S7625). When the CPU 71 determines that thepredetermined period of time has not elapsed (NO), the CPU 71 causes theroutine to revert to step S7625.

When the CPU 71 determines that the predetermined period of time haselapsed (NO), the rotation speed of the first reel M3 a, the second reelM3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 eis gradually slowed down (step S7627).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not the first reel M3 a, thesecond reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and thefifth reel M3 e have stopped (step S7629). When the CPU 71 determinesthat the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, thefourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e have not stopped (NO), the CPU71 causes the routine to revert to step S7629.

When the CPU 71 determines that the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 ehave stopped (YES), the CPU 71 completes this subroutine.

By doing this, symbols are gradually formed while the reels rotate to bethus able to attract a player's interest to reel movement and give asense of expectation to the player until symbol rearrangement hascompleted.

<<Tenth Display Control Processing>>

FIG. 77 and FIG. 78 are flowcharts showing a subroutine of tenth displaycontrol processing. This subroutine is selected in the processingoperation of step S6615 in FIG. 66 and then the selected subroutine isinvoked and executed in step S6727 of FIG. 67.

The tenth display control processing is a processing operation relatingto rotation control and stop control of a reel having started rotationas triggered by the fact that a player has operated a spin button 602.

<Outline of Tenth Display Control Processing>

All reels rotate for two second at a normal rotation speed. After that,symbols are formed in a horizontal direction while all the reels rotateat a rotation speed that is slower than the normal rotation speed. Afterthe symbols on three symbols have been formed in the horizontaldirection, in a case where symbols on four reels have not been formed inthe horizontal direction, the remaining reels stop slowly as they are.In a case where the symbols on four reels have been formed in thehorizontal direction, the symbols on the four reels are formed in thehorizontal direction while the reels rotate at a rotation speed that isslower than the normal rotation speed. In a case where symbols on fivereels have not been formed in the horizontal direction the remainingreels stop slowly as they are. In a case where symbols on five reelshave been formed in the horizontal direction, the symbols on the fivereels are formed in the horizontal direction while the reels rotate at arotation speed that is slower than the normal rotation speed. After thesymbols on the five reels have been formed in the horizontal direction,the reels stop slowly tantalizingly.

A more specific movement will be described with reference to FIG. 90 (a)to FIG. 90 (d). When a player presses a spin button 602, a first reel M3a, a second reel M3 b, a third reel M3 c, a fourth reel M3 d, and afifth reel M3 e start rotation in a forward direction at the same time(FIG. 90 (a)).

After that, when two seconds have elapsed after the reels have startedrotation, while the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the thirdreel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e rotate, arotation speed of on the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, and thethird reel M3 e each is adjusted so that symbols on the first reel M3 a,the second reel M3 b, and the third reel M3 c are formed along ahorizontal direction.

Then, after the symbols on the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b,and the third reel M3 c have been formed along the horizontal direction,while the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c,the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e each are rotated at arotation speed that is slower than the normal rotation speed, therotation speed of the fourth reel M3 d is adjusted so that the symbolson the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, andthe fourth reel M3 d are formed along the horizontal direction (FIG. 90(b)).

Then, after the symbols on the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b,the third reel M3 c, and the fourth reel M3 d have been formed along thehorizontal direction, while the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b,the third reel M3 e, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e eachare rotated at a rotation speed that is slower than the normal rotationspeed, the rotation speed of the fifth reel M3 e is adjusted so that thesymbols on the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e are formed along thehorizontal direction (FIG. 90 (c)).

After the symbols on the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, thethird reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e have beenformed along the horizontal direction, the rotation speed of the firstreel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3d, and the fifth reel M3 e each is gradually slowed down and therotation of these reels is stopped (FIG. 90 (d)).

After the symbols on the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the andthird reel M3 c have been formed along the horizontal direction, theremay be a case in which the symbols on the first reel M3 a, the secondreel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, and the fourth reel M3 d cannot beformed along the horizontal direction for the convenience of a kind ofsymbol or an operable time. In this case, the rotation speed of thefirst reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourthreel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e each is gradually slowed down, andthen, rotation of these reels is stopped and completed.

Similarly, after the symbols on the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3b, the third reel M3 c, and the fourth reel M3 d have been formed alongthe horizontal direction, there may be a case in which the first reel M3a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, andthe fifth reel M3 e cannot be formed along the horizontal direction forthe convenience of a kind of symbol or an operable time. In this case,the rotation speed of the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, thethird reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e each isgradually slowed down, and then the rotation of these reels is stoppedand completed.

<Steps of Tenth Display Control Processing>

Specifically, tenth display control processing is executed in accordancewith a subroutine of FIG. 77 and FIG. 78. The tenth display controlprocessing is as follows.

The CPU 71 rotates the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the thirdreel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e in a forwarddirection at a normal rotation speed in the processing operations ofsteps S6613 and S6617 in FIG. 66 described above.

First, the CPU 71 determines whether or not two seconds have elapsedfrom rotation start of the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, thethird reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e (stepS7711).

When the CPU 71 determines that two seconds have not elapsed fromrotation start of the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the thirdreel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e (NO), the CPU71 causes the routine to revert to step S7711.

Next, the CPU 71 changes a rotation speed of the second reel M3 b whilemaintaining a rotation speed of the first reel M3 a at the rotationspeed that is faster than the normal rotation speed (step S7713).

Next, the CPU 71 determine whether or not a symbol on the first reel M3a and a symbol on the second reel M3 b have been formed in a horizontaldirection (step S7715). Whether or not symbols have been formed in thehorizontal direction can be determined with the use of numbers foridentifying the symbols. When the CPU 71 determined that no symbols havebeen formed in the horizontal direction (NO), the CPU 71 causes theroutine to revert to S7715.

When the CPU 71 determines that the symbols have been formed in thehorizontal direction (YES), the CPU 71 changes the rotation speed of thesecond reel M3 b to a rotation speed that is identical to the rotationspeed of the first reel M3 a (step S7717).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not the symbols on three reels ofthe first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, and the third reel M3 c havebeen formed in the horizontal direction (step S7719).

When the CPU 71 determines that the symbols on the three reels of thefirst reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, and the third reel M3 c have notbeen formed in the horizontal direction (NO), the CPU 71 causes theroutine to revert to step S7713.

When the routine has reverted to step S7713, the CPU 71 executes theprocessing operations in steps S7713 to S7717 and then changes arotation speed of the third reel M3 c so that the symbol on the firstreel M3 a and the second reel M3 b and the symbol on the third reel M3 care formed in the horizontal direction while maintaining the rotationspeed of the first reel M3 a and the second reel M3 b at the normalrotation speed. By repeating the processing operations in this way, thesymbols on the three reels of the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b,and the third reel M3 c can be formed in the horizontal direction.

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not symbols on four reels of thefirst reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, and thefourth reel M3 d can be formed in the horizontal direction (step S7721).For example, there may also be a case in which the symbols on the fourreels cannot be formed in the horizontal direction for the convenienceof a kind of symbols assigned to the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3b, the third reel M3 c, and the fourth reel M3 d or a time required toform symbols or the like.

When the CPU 71 determines that the symbols on the four reels of thefirst reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, and thefourth reel M3 d cannot be formed in the horizontal direction (NO), theCPU 71 causes the routine to migrate to step S7821 to be describedlater.

When the CPU 71 determines that the symbols on the four reels of thefirst reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, and thefourth reel M3 d can be formed in the horizontal direction (YES), theCPU 71 changes a rotation speed of the fourth reel M3 d whilemaintaining a rotation speed of the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3b, and the third reel M3 c each at a normal speed (step S7723).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not the symbols on the first reelM3 a, the second reel M3 b, and the third reel M3 c and the symbol onthe fourth reel M3 d have been formed in the horizontal direction (stepS7725). Whether or not the symbols have been formed in the horizontaldirection can be determined with the use of number for identifying thesymbols. When the CPU 71 determines that the symbols have not beenformed in the horizontal direction (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routineto revert to step S7725.

When the CPU 71 determines that the symbols have been formed in thehorizontal direction (YES), the CPU 71 changes the rotation speed of thefourth reel M3 d at a rotation speed that is identical to a rotationspeed of the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, and the third reelM3 c each (step S7727). Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not thesymbols on four reels of the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, thethird reel M3 c and the fourth reel M3 d have been formed in thehorizontal direction (step S7729). When the CPU 71 determines that thesymbols on the four reels of the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b,the third reel M3 c and the fourth reel M3 d have not been formed in thehorizontal direction (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert tostep S7723. When the routine has reverted to step S7723, the CPU 71executes the processing operations in steps S7723 to S7727 and thenchanges a rotation speed of the fourth reel M3 d so that the symbol onthe first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b and the third reel M3 c andthe symbol on the fourth reel M3 d are formed in the horizontaldirection while maintaining the rotation speed of the first reel M3 a,the second reel M3 b and the third reel M3 c at the normal rotationspeed. By repeating the processing operations in this way, the symbolson the four reels of the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, thethird reel M3 c and the fourth reel M3 d can be formed in the horizontaldirection.

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not the symbols on the five reelsof the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, thefourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e can be formed in thehorizontal direction (step S7731). For example, there may also be a casein which the symbols on the five reels cannot be formed in thehorizontal direction for the convenience of a kind of symbols assignedto the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, thefourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e or a time required forprocessing operations for forming the symbols, for example.

When the CPU 71 determines that the symbols on the five reels of thefirst reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourthreel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e cannot be formed in the horizontaldirection (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S7821 tobe described later.

When the CPU 71 determines that the symbols on the five reels of thefirst reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 e, the fourthreel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e can be formed in the horizontaldirection (YES), the CPU 71 changes the rotation speed of the fifth reelM3 e while maintaining the rotation speed of the first reel M3 a, thesecond reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, and the fourth reel M3 d each(step S7811).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not the symbols on the first reelM3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, and the fourth reel M3d and the symbol on the fifth reel M3 e have been formed in thehorizontal direction (step S7813). Whether or not the symbols have beenformed in the horizontal direction can be determined with numbers foridentifying symbols. When the CPU 71 determines that the symbols havenot been formed in the horizontal line (NO), the CPU 71 causes theroutine to revert to step S7813.

When the CPU 71 determines that the symbols have been formed in thehorizontal direction (YES), the CPU 71 changes the rotation speed of thefifth reel M3 e to a rotation speed that is identical to a rotationspeed of the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c,and the fourth reel M3 d each (step S7815). Next, the CPU 71 determineswhether or not the symbols on five reels of the first reel M3 a, thesecond reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d and thefifth reel M3 e have been formed in the horizontal direction (stepS7817). When the CPU 71 determines that the symbols on the five reels ofthe first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, thefourth reel M3 d and the fifth reel M3 e have not been formed in thehorizontal direction (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert tostep S7811. When the routine has reverted to step S7811, the CPU 71executes the processing operations in steps S7811 to S7815 and thenchanges a rotation speed of the fifth reel M3 e so that the symbol onthe first reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c and thefourth reel M3 d and the symbol on the fifth reel M3 e are formed in thehorizontal direction while maintaining the rotation speed of the firstreel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c and the fourth reelM3 d at the normal rotation speed. By repeating the processingoperations in this way, the symbols on the five reels of the first reelM3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 dand the fifth reel M3 e can be formed in the horizontal direction.

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not a predetermined period oftime has elapsed (step S7819). When the CPU 71 determines that thepredetermined period of time has not elapsed (NO), the CPU 71 causes theroutine to revert to step S7819.

When the CPU 71 determines that the predetermined period of time haselapsed (NO), the CPU 71 gradually slows down the rotation speed of thefirst reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourthreel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e each (step S7821).

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not the first reel M3 a, thesecond reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and thefifth reel M3 e each (step S7821). When the CPU 71 determines that thefirst reel M3 a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 e, the fourthreel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e have not stopped (NO), the CPU 71causes the routine to revert to step S7821.

When the CPU 71 determines that the first reel M3 a, the second reel M3b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 ehave stopped (YES), the CPU 71 completes this subroutine.

By doing this, more symbols are gradually formed while the reels rotateto be thus able to impart a tense atmosphere and a sense of expectationto a player and attract the player's interest until symbol rearrangementhas completed.

<<Eleventh Display Control Processing>>

FIG. 79 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of eleventh display controlprocessing. This subroutine is selected in the processing operation ofstep S6615 in FIG. 66 and then the selected subroutine is invoked andexecuted in step S6727 of FIG. 67.

The eleventh display control processing is a processing operationrelating to rotation control and stop control of a reel having startedrotation as triggered by the fact that a player has operated a spinbutton 602.

<Outline of Eleventh Display Control Processing>

All reels stop after rotating at a normal rotation speed. A reel to benudged shakes vertically slightly. After the reel has shaken slightly,any action is randomly taken from among an action of shifting upward ona one by one frame basis, an action of shifting downward on a one by oneframe basis, and an action of stopping without movement as is.

The “one frame” described above is referred to as an interval of aminimum unit of a position at which symbols can stop, and is alsoreferred to as an interval of the adjacent positions at which symbolscan stop along a movement direction (a rotation direction) of a reel M3when the reel has stopped. For example, this interval is referred to asan interval of winning lines that are adjacent to each other along themovement direction (the rotation direction) of the reel. Morespecifically, when three winning lines are set at the upper, middle, andlower stages, an interval between the upper and middle stages or aninterval between the middle and lower stages becomes one frame.

A more specific movement will be described with reference to FIG. 91 (a)to FIG. 91 (c). First, all reels stop after rotating at a normalrotation speed (FIG. 91 (a)). Next, a reel targeted to be nudged (afifth reel M3 e) makes fine rotation alternately in a forward direction(a downward direction) and in a backward direction (an upward direction)and then shakes slightly (nudging action) (FIG. 91 (b)). Further, thenudged reel (the fifth reel M3 e) shifts by one frame in the backwarddirection (the upward direction) (FIG. 91 (c)) and then completes itsnudging action.

The reel having nudged (the fifth reel M3 e) may complete its rotationafter shifting in the forward direction (the downward direction) (notshown). In addition, the nudged reel (the fifth reel M3 e) may completethe action while stopping without rotation. Any action of the nudgedreel (the fifth reel M3 e) may be randomly determined from among theaction of shifting by one frame in the backward direction (in the upwarddirection), the action of shifting by one frame in the forward direction(in the downward direction), and the action of stopping as is.

<Steps of Eleventh Display Control Processing>

Specifically, eleventh display control processing is executed inaccordance with a subroutine of FIG. 79. The eleventh display controlprocessing is as follows.

The CPU 71 rotates a first reel M3 a, a second reel M3 b, a third reelM3 c, a fourth reel M3 d, and a fifth reel M3 e in a forward directionat a normal rotation speed in the processing operations of step S6613and S6617 in FIG. 66 described above.

First, all rotating reels (the first reel Mia, the second reel M3 b, thethird reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 e) arestopped at a predetermined position (step S7911). For example, thesereels are stopped so as to establish a li-zhi.

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not w predetermined period oftime has elapsed (step S7913). When the CPU 71 determines that thepredetermined period of time has not elapsed (NO), the CPU 71 causes theroutine to revert to step S7913.

Next, the CPU 71 rotates a reel to be nudged at a small rotation anglein a forward direction and then returns the reel to its originalposition (step S7915). It is preferable that the reel to be nudged be areel that can be won in the reel is rotated at a predetermined angle. Bydoing this, a player can be given a sense of expectation that a winningprize such as at least a li-zhi may be won.

Next, the CPU 71 rotates the reel to be nudged at a small rotation anglein the forward direction and then returns the reel to its originalposition (step S7917). The reel can be nudged by repeating theprocessing operations of the steps S7915 and S7917.

Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not to complete nudging (stepS7919). For example, the CPU 71 determines whether or not the number oftimes of execution of steps S7915 and S7919 has reached a predeterminednumber of times. When the CPU 71 determines that the nudging is notcompleted (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to revert to step S7915.

On the other hand, when the CPU 71 determines that the nudging iscompleted (YES), the CPU 71 performs lottery processing to determinewhether to shift the nudged reel by one frame in the backward direction(the upward direction), to shift the nudged reel by one frame in theforward direction (the downward direction), or to stop the nudged reelas is (step S7921).

Next, the CPU 71 executes the action that is determined in the stepS7921 for the nudged reel (step S7923) and then completes thissubroutine.

By doing this, the reel shakes; and thereby a player is allowed toexpect that the reel having shaken may produce a result that isadvantageous for the player while imparting a tense atmosphere to theplayer.

<<Twelfth Display Control Processing>>

FIG. 80 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of twelfth display controlprocessing. This subroutine is selected in the processing operation ofstep S6615 in FIG. 66 and then the selected subroutine is invoked andexecuted in step S6617.

The twelfth display control processing is a processing operationrelating to rotation control and stop control of a reel having startedrotation as triggered by the fact that a player has operated a spinbutton 602.

<Outline of Twelfth Display Control Processing>

When the player presses the spin button 602, a first reel rotates. Afterthe first reel has rotated, a second reel then rotates after 0.1 second.A third reel, a fourth reel, and a fifth reel that remain also rotate insequential order after 0.1 second.

A more specific movement will be described with reference to FIG. 92 (a)to FIG. 92 (c). First, at a time point before the player presses thespin button 602, all the reels of the first reel M3 a, the second reelM3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, and the fifth reel M3 eare stopped (FIG. 92 (a)). Next, when the player presses the spin button602, rotation of the first reel M3 a is started (FIG. 92 (b)). After 0.1second has elapsed, rotation of the second reel M3 b is then started(step S92 (c)).

After 0.1 second has elapsed, rotation of the third reel M3 c is thenstarted; after 0.1 second has elapsed, rotation of the third reel M3 dis then started; and after 0.1 second has elapsed, rotation of the thirdreel M3 e is then started (not shown).

<Steps of Twelfth Display Control Processing>

Specifically, twelfth display control processing is executed inaccordance with a subroutine of FIG. 80. The twelfth display controlprocessing is as follows.

First, the CPU 71 starts rotation of the first reel M3 a (step S8011).Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not a predetermined period oftime, for example, 0.1 second has elapsed (step S8013). When the CPU 71determines that a predetermined period of time has not elapsed (NO), theCPU causes the routine to revert to step S8013.

When the CPU 71 determines that the predetermined period of time haselapsed (YES), the CPU 71 starts rotation of the second reel M3 b (stepS8015). Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not a predeterminedperiod of time, for example, 0.1 second has elapsed (step S8017). Whenthe CPU 71 determines that the predetermined period of time has notelapsed (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to step S8017.

When the CPU 71 determines that the predetermined period of time haselapsed (YES), the CPU 71 starts rotation of the second reel M3 c (stepS8019). Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not a predeterminedperiod of time, for example, 0.1 second has elapsed (step S8021). Whenthe CPU 71 determines that the predetermined period of time has notelapsed (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to step S8021.

When the CPU 71 determines that the predetermined period of time haselapsed (YES), the CPU 71 starts rotation of the fourth reel M3 d (stepS8023). Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not a predeterminedperiod of time, for example, 0.1 second has elapsed (step S8025). Whenthe CPU 71 determines that the predetermined period of time has notelapsed (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to step S8025.

When the CPU 71 determines that the predetermined period of time haselapsed (YES), the CPU 71 starts rotation of the fifth reel M3 e (stepS8027). Next, the CPU 71 determines whether or not a predeterminedperiod of time, for example, 0.1 second has elapsed (step S8029). Whenthe CPU 71 determines that the predetermined period of time has notelapsed (NO), the CPU 71 causes the routine to step S8029.

When the CPU 71 determines that the predetermined period of time haselapsed (YES), the CPU 71 completes this subroutine.

By doing his, timings of rotation start of reels are gradually shifted;and therefore, a player can be given a sense of expectation that aresult different from a previous one may be produced.

Modification Example 1

The example described above showed a case of selecting a specialrotation mode and then determining both of rotation start processing androtation stop processing while an operating button is operated and reelsstart rotation by executing the processing operation of step S6615. Incontrast, selection of the specific rotation mode relating to rotationstop processing may be executed immediately before starting rotationstop control. For example, when it is determined that reels are notnormally stopped in the determination processing of step S6711 in FIG.67 (NO), a special stop mode may be selected. When an attempt is made todo this, any one display control processing may be determined by meansof lottery processing from among the sixth display control processing,the eighth display control processing, the ninth display controlprocessing, the tenth display control processing, and the eleventhdisplay control processing, relating to rotation stop processing. Bydoing this, a special stop mode can be appropriately selected at a stageof rotation stop and then an interesting special rotation mode can beselected according to the processing of a game.

Modification Example 2

While the example described above showed a case of advancing a unit gamewith the use of five mechanical reels (the first reel M3 a to the fifthreel M3 e) that are mechanically actuated, a video reel image may bedisplayed on an image display panel with the use of the image displaypanel using an upper image display panel 131 in place of the mechanicalreels. In the case of the mechanical reels or video reels, themechanical reels or the video reels form a “scroll line”. In the casewhere the image display panel is used, no video reel needs to bedisplayed. In this case, while a player cannot visually recognize ascroll line, symbols may be displayed so as to move along apredetermined scroll line.

Fourth Embodiment

The first embodiment described above showed a gaming machine that iscapable of achieving reel control in an analog manner. In addition, thesecond embodiment showed a gaming machine that is capable of achievingreel control in a digital manner. Further, the third embodiment showed agaming machine that is capable of achieving a variety of modes relatingto rotation control and stop control of five reels of the first reel M3a, the second reel M3 b, the third reel M3 c, the fourth reel M3 d, andthe fifth reel M3 e in the gaming machine of the first embodiment andthe second embodiment. A fourth embodiment can be applied to the gamingmachine that is capable of achieving reel control in an analog manner(the first embodiment), the gaming machine that is capable of achievingreel control in a digital manner (the second embodiment), or the gamingmachine that is capable of achieving a variety of modes relating torotation control and stop control (the third embodiment). Therefore, amechanical structure or hardware configuration of a gaming machine inthe fourth embodiment is identical to that in the first embodiment, thesecond embodiment, or the third embodiment. Programs for executing aprocessing operation that is shown in a flowchart shown in FIG. 81 to bedescribed later are stored in advance in a ROM 72 (FIG. 38) of the firstembodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment, and valuessuch as variables required when the programs have been executed arestored in a RAM 73 (FIG. 38).

The gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment is directed to agaming machine for executing a unit game in which a prize is determinedbased on rearranged symbols, and includes: a display having a displayregion configured to display symbols associated with each of a pluralityof scroll lines (such as the display window 150 described above, forexample);

a backlight configured to illuminate the display (such as the backlightdevice M7 described above, for example);

a spin button that can be operated by a player, for outputting anoperating signal indicating that an operation has been made when thespin button has been operated by the player (for example, the spinbutton 602 described above);

an indicator configured to display a degree of expectation indicating apossibility that the unit game is advantageous (such as the expectationvalue meter 160 described above, for example); and

a controller (such as the CPU 71 described above, for example) forcontrolling the indicator based on the fact that the operating signalhas been received, the controller being programmed to execute processingoperations of:

(1-9-1) turning off the backlight as triggered by the fact that theoperating signal has been received (such as step S9311 to be describedlater, for example);

(1-9-2) generating the degree of expectation from a progress of the unitgame as triggered by the fact that the operating signal has beenreceived (such as step S9313 to be described later, for example); and

(1-9-3) transmitting to the indicator a control signal adapted tocontrol the indicator in accordance with the degree of expectation (suchas step S9315 to be described later, for example).

<<Expectation Value Meter Lighting Control Processing>>

FIG. 93 is a subroutine showing a processing operation of expectationvalue meter lighting control.

First, the CPU 71 turns off a backlight device M7 configured toilluminate five reels M3 a to M3 e (step S9311). By doing this, thebacklight device M7 can be turned off as triggered by the fact that aplayer has operated a spin button 602 (step S4 of FIG. 47). By turningoff the backlight device M7, a difference from a normal unit game can beindicated for the player. In addition, a degree of expectation by abacklight 164 to be described later can be easily visually recognized.

Next, the CPU 71 computes a degree of expectation (step S9313). Thedegree of expectation may be an item of information indicating apossibility that a unit game is advantageous.

For example, the degree of expectation includes an expectation value orthe like indicating a possibility of winning a prize such as a bonus. Inthe case of the expectation value, if a probability of winning a prizesuch as a bonus is 1/300, a possibility of winning a prize increases asthe number of unit games continuously failing to win a prize is close to300 times. The expectation value is computed from the number of unitgames continuously failing to win a prize and a probability of winning aprize.

In addition, the degree of expectation may be an item of informationrelating to a prize that a player can acquire. A prize having apossibility of being awarded by a player continuously playing a unitgame may be computed based on a prize to be awarded for each winningprize and a probability of winning a prize or the like.

Next, the CPU 71 transmits to the backlight 164 a control signal adaptedto control a color of light that is emitted from a full-color LED of thebacklight 164 or a light emitting region in accordance with the degreeof expectation that is computed in step S9313 (step S9315). As describedabove, in a case where the full-color LED is made of a plurality of LEDelements, the light emitting region can be determined in accordance withthe number of LED elements adapted to emit light.

Next, the CPU determines whether or not a predetermined period of timehas elapsed (step S9317). When the CPU 71 determines that thepredetermined period of time has not elapsed (NO), the CPU 71 causes theroutine to revert to step S9317. On the other hand, when the CPU 71determines that the predetermined period of time has elapsed (YES), theCPU 71 turns on the backlight device M7 (step S9319) and then completesthis subroutine.

By executing the subroutine described above, the degree of expectationby the backlight 164 can be indicated for a player as triggered by thefact that the player has operated the spin button 602 (step S4 of FIG.47). By doing this, the player's interest can be enhanced from the startof a unit game in which the spin button 602 has been operated.

In addition, after the backlight 164 has been turned on in accordancewith the processing operation of step S9315, after a predeterminedperiod of time has elapsed, the backlight 164 may be turned off. Theplayer's interest can be returned to symbol movement by turning off thebacklight 164.

1. A gaming machine for executing a unit game in which a prize is determined based on rearranged symbols, said gaming machine comprising: a display having a display region configured to display symbols associated with each of a plurality of scroll lines; and a controller for controlling a unit game in which the symbols associated with the scroll line are moved and then rearranged in the display region, the controller programmed to execute processing operations of: (1-1-1) randomly determining symbols to be rearranged; (1-1-2) displaying the symbols associated with the scroll line in the display region so as to move in a first mode along the scroll line; (1-1-3) stopping the symbols associated with at least one scroll line from among the plurality of scroll lines and then displaying the stopped symbols in the display region; (1-1-4) as triggered by a fact that a li-zhi has been established by the symbols displayed in a stopped state in accordance with the processing operation (1-1-3), displaying symbols associated with at least one scroll line from among scroll lines corresponding to moving symbols so as to move in a second mode that is different from the first mode; and (1-1-5) automatically stopping the symbols associated with at least one scroll line from among the plurality of scroll lines and then rearranging the symbols determined in accordance with the processing operation (1-1-1).
 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the processing operation of (1-1-4) includes processing operations of: (1-2-1) determining whether or not a li-zhi has been established by means of symbols having been displayed in a stopped state every time the symbols associated with one scroll lines from among the plurality of scroll lines are stopped; (1-2-2) displaying in the display region the symbols associated with a scroll line on which symbols are moving, from among the plurality of scroll lines, so as to move in the second mode; and (1-2-3) invoking and executing the processing operation of (1-2-2) when it is determined that the li-zhi has been established in accordance with the processing operation of (1-2-1).
 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the second mode includes a plurality of post-li-zhi modes for defining a symbol movement mode after a li-zhi has been established, and the processing operation of (1-2-3) includes a processing operation of (1-3-1) determining as the second mode one post-li-zhi mode that is randomly selected from the plurality of post-li-zhi modes.
 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the processing operation of displaying symbols so as to move in the second mode includes processing operations of (1-4-1) displaying the symbols in the display region to move by a predetermined distance; (1-4-2) subsequent to the processing operation of (1-4-1), stopping the symbols for a predetermined period of time and then displaying the stopped symbols in the display region; (1-4-3) executing the processing operations of (1-4-1) and (1-4-2) at least once; and (1-4-4) after the processing operation of (1-4-3), stopping the determined symbols in the processing operation of (1-1-1) and then displaying the stopped symbols in the display region.
 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the processing operation of displaying symbols so as to move in the second mode includes processing operations of: (1-5-1) stopping the symbols and displaying the stopped symbols in the display region; (1-5-2) displaying the symbols in the display region so as to move in a mode similar to the first mode; (1-5-3) executing the processing operations of (1-5-1) and (1-5-2) at least once; and (1-5-4) after the processing operation of (1-5-3) has been executed, stopping the determined symbols in accordance with the processing operation of (1-1-1) and then displaying the stopped symbols in the display region.
 6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the processing operation of displaying symbols so as to move in the second mode includes processing operations of: (1-6-1) displaying the symbols in the display region so as to move by a predetermined distance; (1-6-2) subsequent to the processing operation of (1-6-1), stopping the symbols for a predetermined period of time and then displaying the stopped symbols in the display region; (1-6-3) executing the processing operations of (1-6-1) and (1-6-2) at least once; (1-6-4) displaying the symbols in the display region so as to move in a mode similar to the first mode; (1-6-5) executing the processing operations of (1-6-1) to (1-6-4) at least once; and (1-6-6) after the processing operation of (1-6-5) has been executed, stopping the determined symbols in the processing operation of (1-1-1) and then displaying the stopped symbols in the display region.
 7. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the processing operation of displaying symbols so as to move in the second mode includes processing operations of: (1-7-1) stopping the symbols and then displaying the stopped symbols in the display region; (1-7-2) displaying the symbols in the display region so as to move in a mode similar to the first mode; (1-7-3) displaying the symbols in the display region so as to move in a direction that is different from the one in the first mode; (1-7-4) displaying the symbols in the display region so as to move at a speed that is different from the one in the first mode; (1-7-5) after the processing operation of (1-7-1) has been executed, executing any of the processing operations (1-7-2) to (1-7-4); (1-7-6) executing the processing operation of (1-7-5) at least once; and (1-7-7) after the processing operation of (1-7-6) has been executed, stopping the determined symbols in the processing operation of (1-1-1) and then displaying the stopped symbols in the display region.
 8. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the processing operation of displaying symbols so as to move in the second mode includes processing operations of: (1-8-1) displaying in the display region a predetermined symbol from among symbols associated with a first scroll line from among a plurality of scroll lines on which symbols are moving and a symbol associated with the predetermined symbol from among symbols associated with a second scroll line that is different from the first scroll line from among a plurality of scroll lines on which symbols are moving, so as to move in parallel to each other; (1-8-2) after the processing operations of (1-8-1) has been executed, displaying the predetermined symbol and the symbol associated with the predetermined symbol so as to move at a speed that is different from a speed in the first mode; and (1-8-3) after the processing operation of (1-8-2) has been executed, stopping the determined symbols in the processing operation of (1-1-1) and then displaying the stopped symbols in the display region.
 9. A gaming machine for executing a unit game in which a prize is determined based on rearranged symbols, said gaming machine comprising: a display having a display region configured to display symbols associated with each of a plurality of scroll lines; a backlight configured to illuminate the display; a spin button that can be operated by a player, for outputting an operating signal indicating that an operation has been made when the spin button has been operated by the player; an indicator configured to display a degree of expectation indicating a possibility that the unit game is advantageous; and a controller for controlling the indicator based on the fact that the operating signal has been received, the controller being programmed to execute processing operations of: (1-9-1) turning off the backlight as triggered by the fact that the operating signal has been received; (1-9-2) generating the degree of expectation from a progress of the unit game as triggered by the fact that the operating signal has been received; and (1-9-3) transmitting to the indicator a control signal adapted to control the indicator in accordance with the degree of expectation. 